At the outbreak of the war, William Maynadier was a Captain in charge of the United States Ordinance Bureau in Washington, D.C.
These dispatches were compiled with primary source materials from The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Chapter 1)
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CONTENTS
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(US Capt) Frederick Humphreys
- At the outbreak of the war, Frederick Humphreys was a Captain and Ordinance Storekeeper in Charleston, South Carolina
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From Maynadier:
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| December 28, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON,
December 28, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Ordnance Bureau:
A body of South Carolina military now surround the arsenal, outside, however, of the inclosure, but denying ingress or egress without countersign. The officer in command disclaims any intention of occupancy, and the United States flag is undisturbed. I await instructions.
F.C. HUMPHREYS.
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| December 29, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 29, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, and that myself and the command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for instructions, but have received none.
I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the announce the entire command is subjected to by this measure.
I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War Department, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal, and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender.
I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself and the position I occupy as commanding officer.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
ORDNANCE OFFICE
January 1, 1861
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
WM. MAYNADIER
Captain of Ordnance.
[Inclosure.]
| December 30, 1861 - Abstract from muster-roll of Frederick Humphreys
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
Abstract from muster-roll of F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.
Present: Brevet Colonel Benjamin Huger, who assumed command November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-General's Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.
F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper, U.S. ARMY.
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| December 30, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
December 30, 1860.
SIR: This arsenal has to-day been taken by force of arms. What disposition am I to make of my command?
F.C. HUMPHREYS.
to Captain MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau.
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| December 31, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 31, 1860.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the correspondence relative to the surrender of this post yesterday to the authorities of this State. Trusting that my course may meet the approval of the Department.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S.A.
to Capt. WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.
[Inclosures.]
| December 29, 1860 - Governor Francis Pickens to Colonel John Cunningham
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
HEADQUARTERS,
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
December 29, 1860.
SIR: In the morning, after reporting yourself to Major-General Schneirle, and informing him of this order, you are directed to get from him a detachment of select men, and in the most discrete and forbearing manner you will proceed to the U.S. Arsenal in Charleston, and there demand in my name, its entire possession, and state distinctly that you do this with a view to prevent any destruction of public property that may occur in the present excited state of the public mind, and also as due to the public safety. You will then proceed to take, in the most systematic manner, a correct inventory of everything in said arsenal, and the exact state of all arms, &c.
You will read this order to Captain Humphreys, who is the United States officer at the arsenal.
I do not apprehend any difficulty in giving up the same, but if refused, then you are to take it, using no more force than may be absolutely necessary, and with the greatest discretion and liberality to Captain Humphreys, who is at perfect liberty to remain in his present quarters as long as it may be agreeable for himself, and he is requested to do so. Report as soon as possible to me.
F.W. PICKENS.
to Colonel JOHN CUNNINGHAM.
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| December 30, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Colonel John Cunningham
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Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 30, 1860.
SIR: I am constrained to comply with your demand for the surrender of this arsenal, from the fact that I have no force for its defense. I do so, however, solemnly protesting against the illegality of this measure in the name of my Government.
I also demand, as a right, that I be allowed to salute my flag, before lowering it, with one gun for each State now in the Union (32), and that my command be allowed to occupy the quarters assigned them until instructions can be obtained from the War Department.
Very respectfully,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
to Colonel JOHN CUNNINGHAM,
Seventeenth Regiment Inf., S.C.M.
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| January 1, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
January 1, 1861.
What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Army.
to Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Charge of Ordnance Bureau.
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| January 1, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
January 1, 1861.
What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Army.
to Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Charge of Ordnance Bureau.
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| January 2, 1861 - Captain William Maynadier to Captain Frederick Humphreys
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
January 2, 1861.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Arsenal, Charleston, S.C.:
I want a report in detail of what has occurred; of the present position and condition of your command and property; as regards quarters and other accommodations, freedom of movement, and any statements or views in the matter that you may deem proper for a full understanding.
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
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| January 3, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
January 3, 1861.
SIR: I received your dispatch last night and sent a reply by telegraph. I will now proceed to make a detailed report of the facts relative to the surrender of this arsenal, which I should have gone before but that my time has been fully occupied in getting proper vouchers for the property recently in my charge.
On Sunday morning last Colonel Cunningham marched a strong detachment of armed men into this arsenal (having several days before entirely surrounded it outside of the inclosure) and demanded the surrender in the name of South Carolina and by order of Governor Pickens. Having no force to make a defense, I surrendered under a protest, and demanded the privilege of saluting my flag before lowering it and of taking it with me, and that the command should occupy the quarters until instructions could be received from the War Department, which was granted.
Soon after, the arsenal and magazine were both opened, and the property has been constantly issued since-arms, ammunition, accouterments, &c.
Myself and men and our families are very unpleasantly situated. There are some 200 men here constantly, and we are in actual danger from accident when so many inexperienced persons are at every turn with loaded arms. Our movements are watched and restricted, and I would earnestly request that we may be moved elsewhere. The times are so unsettled that I have not issued to my command this month either subsistence or fuel-in fact, we have no conveniences for anything, and all is confusion and turmoil.
I understand that all communication with Fort Sumter is cut, off, and that a barge with its men from that post has been captured at the city wharf and are held in durance.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.
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(US SoW) Simon Cameron
- At the outbreak of the war, Simon Cameron was the United States Secretary of War
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From Maynadier:
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| December 29, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 29, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, and that myself and the command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for instructions, but have received none.
I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the announce the entire command is subjected to by this measure.
I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War Department, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal, and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender.
I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself and the position I occupy as commanding officer.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
ORDNANCE OFFICE
January 1, 1861
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
WM. MAYNADIER
Captain of Ordnance.
[Inclosure.]
| December 30, 1861 - Abstract from muster-roll of Frederick Humphreys
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Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
Abstract from muster-roll of F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.
Present: Brevet Colonel Benjamin Huger, who assumed command November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-General's Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.
F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper, U.S. ARMY.
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(Indorsement)
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(US Capt) John Foster
- At the outbreak of the war, John Foster was a Captain of Engineers in the United States Corps of Engineers
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| December 19, 1860 - Captain John Foster to Captain William Maynadier
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON, December 19, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Ordnance Department:
I received from the arsenal on the 17th forty old muskets ordered to be issued to me November 1. There is some little talk about it, and I am asked to return them. Shall I return them or keep them?
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers, U.S. Army.
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(US SoW) John Floyd
- At the outbreak of the war, John Buchanan Floyd was the United States Secretary of War
- He resigned his post on December 29, 1860 and left the northern States to join the Confederate Government
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| December 5, 1860 - Captain William Maynadier to Secretary John B. Floyd
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
Washington, December 5, 1860.
Honorable JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War:
SIR: In answer to your inquiry respecting a rumor of report of the recent landing at Fort Moultrie, S.C., of a large quantity of military stores, such as cannon and boxes of ammunition, I have to state that the rumor or report has no just foundation in fact. The only cannon or ammunition, excepting a few primers, which have been ordered to Fort Moultrie since September, 1859, were four small flank howitzers with their carriages and implements, and one hundred canisters and twenty-five shells for each. These supplies were furnished on requisition from the Engineer Department of 16th October, 1860, as part of the regular armament of the fort, for the flanking caponieres, which were just finished and ready to receive them. They were ordered from the arsenals on the 20th October, 1860, but, being delayed in their and shipment, did not reach their destination till recently.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
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| December 20, 1860 - Captain William Maynadier to Secretary John Floyd
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
Washington, December 20, 1860.
Honorable JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War:
SIR: The inclosed telegram, purporting to be from Captain J.G. Foster, the Engineer officer in charge of Fort Sumter reached me last night, and gives the first information to this office that the forty old muskets had been issued to the captain. On the contrary, the previous correspondence on the subject indicates that the issue of these muskets has not been and will not be made. On the 31st October last Colonel Craig informed you that the Engineer in charge of Fort Sumter had suggested the placing of a few small-arms in the hands of his workmen for the protection of the Government property there, and recommended that it should be done, provided that it met the concurrence of the commanding officer of the troops in Charleston Harbor. The recommendation was approved, and Colonel J.L. Gardner, then commanding at Charleston Harbor, was duly notified thereof and authorized to direct the issue if it met his approval, and to report the fact to this office. He answered under date of 5th November, 1860, and did not concur in the expediency of the issue. His letter was submitted to you on the 8th November, with the remark by the Colonel of Ordnance that "it is probable the issue has not and will not be made without further orders." No further orders have been given, and no report or other information on the subject has reached this office except the inclosed telegram. That is so indefinite (except as to the fact that Captain Foster has received the forty old muskets) as to be difficult to understand, and, consequently, to answer.[1] It does not state by whom the "little talk" about the issue was had, nor who asks Captain Foster to return the muskets. From all the indications I am doubtful about the genuineness of the dispatch. If answered at all I think the best reply will be: "If you don't want the muskets, return them."
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
[Inclosure-Telegram.]
| December 19, 1860 - Captain John Foster to Captain William Maynadier
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Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON, December 19, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Ordnance Department:
I received from the arsenal on the 17th forty old muskets ordered to be issued to me November 1. There is some little talk about it, and I am asked to return them. Shall I return them or keep them?
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers, U.S. Army.
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| December 21, 1860 - Captain William Maynadier to Secretary John Floyd
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
Washington, December 21, 1860.
Honorable JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War:
SIR: All the information called for by the letter of the Honorable B. Stanton, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives and the accompanying resolution of that committed, dated the 18th instant, so far as it is within the purview of the Ordnance Department, will be found in the inclosed statements, viz:
No 1. Quantity and description of ordnance, and arms at each of the forts in Charleston Harbor, viz, at Fort Moultrie, at Castle Pinckney, at Fort Sumter, and at the Charleston Arsenal, with the name and grade of the officer in charge of the arsenal, and the force under his control.*
No 2. Number and description of arms distributed since the 1st of January, 1860, to the States and Territories, and at what price.*
No 3. Arms distributed by sale since 1st January, 1860, to whom sold, and at what price.*
It is deemed proper to state, in further explanation of Numbers 2, that where no distribution appears to have been made to a State or Territory, or the amount of distribution is small, it is because such State or Territory has not called for all the arms due on its quotas, and remains a creditor for dues not distributed, which can be obtained at any time on requisition therefor.
The letter of the Honorable B. Stanton, with the accompanying resolution, is returned herewith.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
* See inclosure to Holt to Stanton, January 3, 1861. Nos. 2 and 3 not found.
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(US Capt) Henry Craig
- At the outbreak of the war, Henry Craig was a Colonel of Ordnance in the United States Army
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| November 20, 1860 - Brevet Colonel Benjamin Huger to Colonel H.K. Craig
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL,
November 20, 1860.
Colonel H.K. CRAIG,
Ordnance Department:
SIR: In obedience to the instructions of the War Department I came to this place and have assumed command of the arsenal. The excitement concerning this arsenal which existed here a short time since is very much allayed, and this result is in a great measure due to the prudence and discretion of the military storekeeper, Mr. Humphreys, whose conduct on the occasion meets my commendation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. HUGER,
Brevet-Colonel, U.S. Army.
[Indorsement.]
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
November 24, 1860.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War for his information.
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
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(Indorsement)
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MISC.
- Miscellaneous correspondence to or from William Maynadier
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Dispatch:
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| Inventory of weapons, December 21, 1860
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| December 21, 1860 - Inventory by Captain William Maynadier
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
Washington, December 21, 1860.
Fort Moultrie; 14 32-pounder guns, iron; 16 24-pounder guns, iron; 10, 8-inch columbiads, iron; 5 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, iron; 4 24-pounder flank howitzers, iron; 2 12-pounder field howitzers, brass; 4 6-pounder field guns, brass. Total, 55.
Castle Pinckney: 4 42-pounder guns, iron; 14 24-pounder guns, iron; 4 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, iron. Total, 22.
United States Arsenal: 2 6-pounder field guns, old iron ; 5 24-pounder field howitzers, old iron; 502 muskets, flint-lock, caliber .69; 5,720 same altered to percussion; 11,693 muskets made as percussion, caliber .69; 2,808 rifles, made as percussion, caliber .54; 6 same, altered with longrange sights; 566 Hall's rifles, flint-lock; 4 carbines, percussion, rifled; 9 United States percussion carbines; 815 pistols, flint-lock; 300 pistols, made as percussion. Total, 22,430.
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
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