Corporal's guard

Dear Gary;

I cannot find support for "Corporal's Guard" to consist just of a Corporal and two privates.

A Corporal's Guard is a Corporal in charge of a small group of soldiers but, no number is fixed.

Reference:
The 1865 Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers
Articles 313 through 364.

Article 316, in summary details the 'duty' function of a Corporal, to include being "Corporal of the Guard," to be in charge of fatique details, guard details and garrison details, to include police duties. They take a Sergeant's place when unavailable, so must be familiar with the duties of a Sergeant.

Article 326 - Specificly details "Corporal of the Guard." Must be familiar with duties of a sentinel as well as guard duties, to instruct members of the guard in their duties.

The only behavior in which a corporal would be in company of two soldiers, would be that in relieving sentries/sentinels.

Medical/Surgical History--Part III, Volume II
Chapter X.--Wounds And Injuries Of The Lower Extremities.
Section II.--Wounds And Injuries Of The Hip Joint.
Excision At The Hip After Shot Injury
1 Four of the operations are described at length in A Report of Surgical Case treated in the Army of the United States from 1865 to 1871, Circular No. 3, War Department, Surgeon General's Office, Washington, 1871, pp. 228-234, and the facts regarding them will be here briefly recorded, two of the cases are hitherto unpublished, and will be narrated more in detail. Two of the excisions were primary, one intermediary, and three secondary operations. The first case was that of Private Hubert Erne, Co. D, 4th Infantry, aged 48 years, wounded December 2, 1869, while acting as one of a corporal's guard of the mail wagon from Fort Laramie to Fort Fetterman, in an attack by a band of Indians. He was struck in the left buttock by a round carbine bell (cal. 45, weight 225 grains), and fell to the ground. His comrades placed him in a wagon and drove rapidly to Laramie, over a very rough road; he was struck at two in the afternoon and was placed in bed in the hospital at half-past seven, much exhausted, having driven thirty.two miles in five and a half hours. He had lost blood copiously. His extremities were cold, pulse almost imperceptible, and his countenance was pallid and covered with clammy sweat. The left lower limb showed shortening with eversion, the thigh arched with an anterior convexity. The entrance wound was an inch and a half behind the trochanter major on a slightly higher plane; the exit aperture was near the centre of the groin just below Poupart's ligament, directly over the axis of the femoral artery.
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Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 4 [S# 4]
Operations On The Potomac And Rappahannock Rivers.
January 5 To December 7, 1861. pp. 409-463
Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, regarding detail of troops for the defense of the navy yard.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 23, 1861.
SIR: I would respectfully request that a corporal's guard of United States troops be detailed for the defense of the navy yard with as much speed as practicable. They will report to Commander J. A. Dahlgren, who has assumed the charge of the yard.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
===============================
Navy O.R.-- Series 1--Volume 18 [S# 18]
West Gulf Blockading Squadron.
From February 21(*) To July 14, 1862. pp. 682-773
March 14.--At 5:45 a.m. sent 30 marines, in charge of Captain Broome, the barge and crew, Mr. Osbon and Mr. Mason, master's mate, all in charge of Lieutenant Kautz, on shore at Pilot Town, to take possession. At 6 a.m. hoisted the American flag on shore. At 7:30 the boats returned on board, leaving a corporal's guard in charge of a sergeant on shore.
===================================
Reminiscences Of The Civil War (Gordon)
Chapter XXIII--Winchester And Preceding Events
[excerpt]
General Breckinridge, who had scarcely a corporal's guard of his magnificent division around him, rode to my side. His Apollo-like face was begrimed with sweat and smoke. He was desperately reckless--the impersonation of despair. He literally seemed to court death. Indeed, to my protest against his unnecessary exposure by riding at my side, he said: "Well, general, there is little left for me if our cause is to fail." Later, when the cause had failed, he acted upon this belief and left the country, and only returned after long absence, to end his brilliant career in coveted privacy among his Kentucky friends.
==================================================

Southern Historical Society Papers
Vol. I. Richmond, Virginia, May, 1876. No. 5.
Diary Of Robert E. Park, Macon, Georgia,
Late Captain Twelfth Alabama Regiment, CSA.
[excerpt]
ur Valley army, under that heroic old bachelor, lawyer and soldier, Lieutenant General J. A. Early, is composed of the small divisions of Major Generals John Cabell Breckinridge, of Kentucky; Robert E. Rhodes, of Alabama; John B. Gordon of Georgia; and S. D. Ramsear, of North Carolina. All of them are small -- some of the brigades no larger than a full regiment, and some of the regiments no larger than a good company, and many of the companies without a commissioned officer present, and having only a "corporal's guard" in number of enlisted men.
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Southern Historical Society Papers
Vol. III. Richmond, Va., May and June. 1877. Nos. 5 and 6
Sketch Of The Late General S. Cooper.
[excerpt]
To "set a squadron in the field," there must be arms, subsistence stores, transportation and shelters, clothing and medical supplies. The quartermaster's, commissary, ordnance and medical departments, though separate and distinct in their several spheres, must be made conformable with each other, with scrupulous care, by the constitutional commander in chief and his war secretary; and their chief counsellor is the soldier at the head of the adjutant general's department, through whom all official orders are promulgated. An efficient executive leader in that department is felt from an army corps to a corporal's guard.
=======================================================
Southern Historical Society Papers.
Volume XII. Richmond, Va., June, 1884. No. 6.
Incidents of Prison Life at Camp Douglas --
Experience of Corporal J.G. Blanchard.
[excerpt]
Realizing the danger of attempting even to crawl away from the fence, lest the crackling of a dry twig should betray them to the guard, Blanchard lay alongside of Carico, waiting for night to approach, when they could take advantage of the tramp of the relief guard to deaden the sound of their footsteps as they proceeded to the lake shore. But when the relief came, at 7 P.M., Carico was unable to move, so great was his suffering; and at his earnest solicitation Blanchard agreed to remain with him until the next relief, at 9 o'clock. At half past 8, however, they were startled by the discovery of a corporal's guard approaching them, the corporal holding a lighted lantern. Hoping that the course of the march of the guard would take them some distance from the fence, Blanchard and Carico lay perfectly quiet; but when about ten feet from the spot where they lay the corporal incidentally held his light toward the fence, the glare of which revealed the two prisoners. Quickly the guns of the guard were leveled at them; but Blanchard exclaiming immediately, "Don't shoot, boys -- man badly hurt here," the guns were brought back to a carry, and the corporal approached the prisoners.
Finding that Carico was seriously hurt, a litter was sent for and he was carried to the hospital, whilst Blanchard was once again taken to the White Oak
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Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
 
Gary a Corporals Guard typically consists of the Corporal and two privates but if acting in the capacity of a Corporal of the Guard the number could conceivably be the entire guard reserve which should be at the minimum of eight and depending on the situation the whole Guard.

It's detailed in Casey's and IIRC Hardee as well. But I'm not a drill master so take what I just gave you w/ a grain of salt. Just remember in the time of Rome salt was as good as gold. :)
 
Dear Johan_Steele;

E-gads!

You know darn well, acting in the capacity of Corporal and now Sergeant; in your re-enactors group, you are just as qualified to speak as an expert!

But, in my post--I wanted to find the exact 'language' to support his inquiry. :)

1861 Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States, is more vague than the 1865 Customs and Services of Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf
 
Thank you M. E. Wolf and a special thank you Johann. I recall Admiral Dahlgren telling Lt. Commander Stevens that Fort Sumter was held only by a corporal's guard and that he need only land there and take them prisoner. The corporal's guard was a mite bit stronger than Dahlgren described and the attack was repulsed.
 
Dear Gary;

Here is what I have in reference to Dahlren and Corporal's Guard:


Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 4 [S# 4]
Operations On The Potomac And Rappahannock Rivers.
January 5 To December 7, 1861. pp. 409-463
Report of acting commandant navy yard, Washington, regarding equipment of vessels for war service.
U. S. NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, April 22, 1861.
SIR: In the absence of the commandant of the yard, I have to report to you that I have prepared the steamer Mount Vernon for service to receive your orders, so far as the following extends: A 32-pounder with appliances; a breech-loading rifle for each hand on board; a pilot, six hands, seamen to operate the gun.
I have also directed Boatswain Willmuth to be ready to take the command of the vessel in case the Department has made no other arrangements.
There is wanted an assistant pilot, a corporal's guard of United States troops or marines, and about six more men for guard duty and defense.
One of the greatest difficulties will be to procure pilots. Several have already declined, therefore very liberal compensation is necessary, and I have offered the pilot of the Mount Vernon $85 per month, which is better than he can get from any other party and contents him perfectly.
There are provisions for ten days for 50 men; water for the same period.
The deficiencies of the yard in many respects are so great that I shall be obliged to supply them as quickly as possible.
I am not yet informed whether the men in the yard are released from militia duty. It is absolutely necessary to the equipment of these steamers and to the defense of the yard that this should be done at once.
As soon as I learn that the resignation of Captain Buchanan has taken place I shall lose no time in putting the yard into the best state of defense that the time and means permit.
I shall be glad to have your full directions for the steamer and will proceed to get ready the other three.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN,
Acting Commandant of Yard.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
(He was Captain at this time)
===========================================
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 4 [S# 4]
Operations On The Potomac And Rappahannock Rivers.
January 5 To December 7, 1861. pp. 409-463
Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, regarding detail of troops for the defense of the navy yard.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 23, 1861.
SIR: I would respectfully request that a corporal's guard of United States troops be detailed for the defense of the navy yard with as much speed as practicable. They will report to Commander J. A. Dahlgren, who has assumed the charge of the yard.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
(Rank increase to be noted)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 4 [S# 4]
Operations On The Potomac And Rappahannock Rivers.
January 5 To December 7, 1861. pp. 409-463
eport of commandant navy yard, Washington, of the departure from that station of steamer Mount Vernon, and regarding measures for the defense of the yard.
NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, April 23, 1861.
SIR: Conformably with your orders,(*) the Mount Vernon left this yard about midnight. A 32-pounder was mounted forward and a complement of breech loading rifles for the crew were put on board. Having no commissioned officer to spare, Boatswain Willmuth was intrusted with the command. Gunner Ellis volunteered and also went. Besides the pilot, engineer, firemen, etc., there were four marines and ten men of the Ordnance Department sent.
These could illy be spared from the defense of the yard, but I had no alternative, for the captain of the volunteer Company A, Washington infantry, declined to detail any of his men for this service; and they refused to volunteer, the duty being out of the District, and some of the men considered the boat unsafe or that the gun might burst.
Mr. Willmuth was instructed in writing as directed by your order. I also told him to communicate with Fort Washington and ascertain if anything was needed.
A number of the people at work in the yard left yesterday. The force for the defense of the yard last night consisted [of]:
Men.
Company A, Captain Tower 75
Company C, Union Volunteers, Captain Miller 93
Company A, German Turner Rifles 109
Marines 37
Ordnance Department 34
Total 348
You will perceive, however, that when troops are at liberty to discuss the orders and even to refuse obedience, on any ground whatever, they are no longer to be considered as effective.
One of these companies left the yard this morning without permission and all of them are fed outside of its limits. I would therefore request that the companies now on duty for the yard may be relieved by others who may not be indisposed to meet the responsibilities of the time.
This yard is of importance, not only because of its furnishing the Navy so largely with naval stores, but also as a position in the general defense of the city. Near it is a bridge easily reached and passed whenever an attack may be conducted by crossing from Alexandria, then over the low heights opposite the yard.
I sent a howitzer with ten men and a howitzer and corporal's guard of marines to guard this bridge and found there four dragoons.
The companies were distributed along the borders of the yard, which were also patrolled by a strong body of marines. Cannon were planted looking down the stream, as well as several howitzers. In fact, the whole force was on the alert for any contingency.
The Pocahontas arrived last night and on receiving a pilot came up and anchored off the yard, as you are already aware from my directing the officer with Captain Gillis's reports to deliver them to you in person.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
=================================================
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf
 
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 2 [S# 2] -- CHAPTER IX.
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#1
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 23, 1861.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:
SIR: On a verbal requisition of Commodore John A. Dahlgren, I would respectfully request that at least a battalion of reliable troops be ordered at once for the protection of the navy-yard.
Commodore Dahlgren deems this precaution absolutely necessary for the preservation of the Government property, and I would express my urgent concurrence, and that there should be no delay.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
[Indorsements.]
APRIL 23, 1861--10.30 p.m.
The request of the Secretary of the Navy is respectfully referred to Lieutenant-General Scott.
SIMON CAMERON.
Secretary of War.
APRIL 23, 1861--11 p.m.
Colonel Stone directed to send two companies to the navy-yard.
T. TALBOT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

===================================================
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 2 [S# 2] -- CHAPTER IX.
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
JULY 21, 1861.
Commander DAHLGREN, Navy. Yard:
Send an armed vessel at once to Alexandria, to command as much as possible the approaches to Alexandria.
MANSFIELD.
Brigadier-General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 5 [S# 5]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Maryland, Northern Virginia, And West Virginia From August 1, 1861, To March 17, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
WASHINGTON NAVY-YARD, March 16, 1862.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:
The following was received at 6.30:
POTOMAC FLOTILLA, March 16.
Captain DAHLGREN:
The information I forwarded regarding gunboats building on the Rappahannock was obtained from negroes living in that vicinity. They had not, however, seen any of the boats. What they stated was from hearsay. The Nicholas is a light side-wheel steamer, the boat seized by a Colonel Thomas, of Maryland. I have no description of the Virginia, but have judged her the same description of boat. I will strive and obtain further information on these points.
R. H. WYMAN.

J. A. DAHLGREN.
==============================================
There are several more exchanges with Generals, General Meigs -QM; etc.
But, he seems to be confined to Washington Navy Yard.

Oh, and there is a :
Capt. ULRIC DAHLGREN, U.S. Army that interacts with Jno Dahlgren, throughout the records.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf
 
Thanks. I should have been more clear. After the capture of Morris Island, Union General Gillmore wanted to implement part III of his four part plan to capture Charleston. That entailed the capture of Fort Sumter (with part IV seeing the Navy steam into Charleston Bay and joining with the Union land batteries in shelling Charleston into submission). Dahlgren instructed Lt. Commander Stevens, "You have only to to go and take possession - you will find nothing but a corporal's guard to oppose you." Stevens led the Navy's amphibious force forward to storm Sumter at night. However, the signals between Dahlgren and Gillmore were read by the Confederates, who prepared a hot reception for Stevens. Stevens told one Union officer, "The corporal's guard that we were to have encountered proved to exceed our own numbers." Opps!

As we know, Sumter didn't fall until nearly the end when Charleston itself was evacuated.
 
Dear Gary;

Ahhhhhhhhh.... :)

Medical/Surgical History--Part I, Volume II
Chronological Summary Of The Engagements And Battles.
Sept. 8th , 1863 -Night attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Four hundred and thirteen marines and sailors, commanded by Commander Stevens, U. S. N. 3 114 Official reports, Union and Confederate.
===============================================
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 14 [S# 14]
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
From April 7 To September 8, 1863. pp. 452-502
Abstract log of the U. S. S. Patapsco, Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy.
August 17, 1863.--From 8 to *******n: At 8:15 opened fire on Fort Wagner and *******'s Point. At 10:30 the admiral shifted his flag to the Passaic; she and this vessel attacked Fort Sumter. At 12 ceased firing and withdrew. Expended 10 XV-inch shell and 8 rifle. From *******n to 4: At 3:30 commenced shelling Fort Wagner. From 4 to 8: At 6 ceased firing and proceeded to our old anchorage. Expended since noon 17 XV-inch shells and 2 XV-inch shrapnel and 9 rifle shell.
August 21.--From 8 to *******n: At 10 got underway. At 10:40 opened fire on Fort Sumter. At 11:45 ceased firing; returned to anchorage. Expended 9 rifle shell (Schenkle). At 12:45 p.m. Captain Badger left the ship and Commander Thomas H. Stevens came on board to take command.
August 22.--At 5:30 a.m. opened fire on Fort Wagner; ceased firing at 7:45. Expended 6 rifle and 5 XV-inch shell.
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Order of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, to Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Patapsco.
U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, August 21, 1863.
SIR: You are hereby ordered to the command of the U. S. ironclad Patapsco. You will proceed on board that vessel and assume the duties assigned to you.
Very respectfully,
J. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Commander THOMAS H. STEVENS, U. S. Navy.
-----
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 14 [S# 14]
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
From April 7 To September 8, 1863. pp. 503-551
Abstract log of the U. S. S. Patapsco, Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy.
August 2d, 1863.--At 1 a.m. got underway and proceeded toward Fort Sumter in company with all the monitors, the Weehawken as flagship. At 2:30 anchored within 800 yards of the forts. At 2:50 opened fire on Fort Sumter, which, together with Forts Moultrie, Johnson, and *******'s Point, with other supporting batteries on Sullivan's Island, replied briskly. At 6 a.m. withdrew in obedience to orders from the admiral, having been engaged three hours and ten minutes. Expended 3 XV-inch shells, 3 XV-inch shrapnel, and 5 rifle shell (Schenkle).
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 14 [S# 14]
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
From April 7 To September 8, 1863. pp. 605-650
Boat attack upon Fort Sumter, September 8-9, 1863.
Letter from Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Gillmore, U. S. Army, agreeing to joint expedition.
[U. S. S.] PHILADELPHIA, September 8, [1863].
GENERAL: I am glad we are of a mind, and have no doubt of the result.
I will take all the boats you can spare.
Very truly, yours,
J. A. DAHLGREN.
General GILLMORE,
Commanding Department of the South.

continued
 
Order of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, for the organization of a force of sailors for special service.
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863.
Lieutenant-Commander E. P. Williams is instructed to organize a force of sailors for special service, and the commanding officers of the following vessels will place under his command men (volunteers preferred) and boats as follows:

Men. Boats.
Powhatan 50 3
Housatonic 30 2
Wissahickon 20 2
Mahaska 30 1
Lodona 20 2
Memphis 20 2
If the Canandaigua arrives off the bar in time, Captain Green will send 40 men and 3 boats.
J. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
-----
[Telegram.]
U. S. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--9:15 a.m.
Do you wish the navy launches to remain any longer
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
-----
Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1863--11:15 a.m.
Lieutenant Higginson's party and launches are relieved. I would like the two launches that have been so long in the creek to remain for a few days longer. Suppose Captain Balch shells the rebels on the Stono.
GILLMORE,
General.
Admiral DAHLGREN.
-----
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--11:45 a.m.
I am organizing an expedition for to-night and would like to use the four launches now in Light-House Inlet under command of Lieutenant Higginson, if you can possibly dispense with their services. I have also to ask if you can place at the disposal of Lieutenant Remey boats capable of carrying 150 men; the boats to be in Light-House Inlet by 3 o'clock this afternoon.
It is reported that the enemy are mounting guns on Sumter, which will soon open on the Weehawken, now aground. Will you please open with a full fire of your batteries on Sumter to stop their work?
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Morris Island, September 8, 1863--1 p.m.
Your last dispatch at 11:45 and letters of yesterday were duly received. When I get my guns mounted on C-u-m-m-ing's Point I will use them as you prefer. I have sent my aid off to explain my views to you more fully.
GILLMORE,
General.
Admiral DAHLGREN.
---------------------------------------------
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--1 p.m.
I will assault Sumter to-night.
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
-----
[Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1863--1:20 p.m.
The general is going to use his boats, therefore I can not get the boats.
REMEY,
Lieutenant.
Lieutenant PRESTON.
-----------------------
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island September 8, 1863--1:30 p.m.
Assemble your men and marines at Light-House Inlet and tug will bring them off. We will provide boats.
PRESTON,
Lieutenant.
Lieutenant REMEY.
-----
[Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1863--7 p.m.
Your dispatch by signal that you intended to assault Sumter to-night reached me about an hour after I had sent my letter by one of my staff, informing you that I intended to do the same thing. In an operation of this kind there should be but one commander to insure success and prevent mistakes. Will your party join the two regiments that I have designated and let the whole be under command of the senior officer, or will the two parties confer and act in concert? The former method is, I think, much to be preferred.
GILLMORE,
General.
Admiral DAHLGREN.
-----
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--8:10 p.m.
I have assembled 500 men and I can not consent that the commander shall be other than a naval officer. Will you be kind enough to let me know at what time you will move and what the watchword will be, to prevent collision.
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
-----

Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., September 8, 1863.
You decline to act in concert with me or allow the senior officer to command the assault on Sumter, but insist that a naval officer must command the party.(*) Why this should be so in assaulting a fortification, I can not see. I am so fearful that some accident will take place between our parties that I would recall my own if it were not too late.
I sent you the watchword(+) by special messenger, who has returned.
We must trust to chance and hope for the best. No matter who gets the fort if we place our flag over it.
GILLMORE,
General.
Admiral DAHLGREN.
-------------
[Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1863--9:30 p.m.
I have found it impossible to communicate with you. Mr. Adams must have left your ship and an incompetent signal officer taken his place. [Not finished.]
Admiral DAHLGREN.
-----
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--10 p.m.
Will you please name the hour. I am waiting.
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
-----
[Telegram.]
MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1863--10:25 p.m.
I have sent a lieutenant [not finished].
Admiral DAHLGREN.
-----
[Telegram.]
U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 8, 1863--10:45 p.m.
I am waiting an answer.
DAHLGREN,
Admiral.
General GILLMORE.
-----
Order of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, to Captain Rowan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. New Ironsides.
[U. S. FLAGSHIP] PHILADELPHIA, September 8, [1863].
DEAR ROWAN: I intend to assault Fort Sumter to-night and will ask the Ironsides, etc., to cover the operation, you as senior officer of that part. Commander Stevens will have charge of the assault.
If you have any preferences otherwise, let me know.
Very truly, yours,
J. A. DAHLGREN.
[Captain S. C. ROWAN, U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. S. New Ironsides.]
Order of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, to Captain Stevens, U. S. Navy, commanding naval detachment.
[FLAG-STEAMER] PHILADELPHIA,
September 8--11:30 p.m.
SIR: I have been unable yet to agree on a plan with the general.
You will therefore take a position near to Cu-m-m-ing's Point, so as to assist the assault of the troops if any is made on Sumter.
Let a boat connect at once with the troops on your left. The watchword is "Detroit."
Toward morning let not your boats be seen, but draw them off in proper season.
Very respectfully,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN.
Commander STEVENS,
Commanding Naval Detachment.
--------------------
Endorsement.]
This is the order written while Lieutenant Preston was ashore conferring with General Gillmore, and intended to be delivered if he could not cooperate. Lieutenant Preston reported cooperation agreed on, and the order was not sent.
[DAHLGREN.]
---------------
First report of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy.
No. 131.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 9, 1863.
SIR: I regret to say that an attempt to assault Sumter last night was unsuccessful.
Our column was repulsed with loss.
I have just time to make this statement to go by the Massachusetts. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

continued
 
Detailed report of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy.
No. 141.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, September 11, 1863.
SIR: The Department is already informed that on the night of the 6th the enemy evacuated Morris Island, leaving it in our possession. This offered an opportunity for assaulting Fort Sumter, which was well broken on the gorge and southeast faces, and, if successful, would enable me to pass the obstructions in the main channel.
I therefore directed a party of volunteers to be called for, which was done, under the following officers, viz: Commander T. H. Stevens; Lieutenant Moreau Forrest, aid; Lieutenant-Commander E. P. Williams, commanding first division; Lieutenant G. C. Remey, commanding second division; Lieutenant S. W. Preston, commanding third division; Lieutenant F. J. Higginson, commanding fourth division; Ensign C. H. Craven, commanding fifth division; Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Bunce, Lieutenant E. T. Brower, Ensign James Wallace, Ensign B. H. Porter, and Ensign C. H. Craven. Also the following officers of the Marine Corps: Captain C. G. McCawley, First Lieutenant Charles H. Bradford, Second Lieutenant John C. Harris, Second Lieutenant R. L. Meade, Second Lieutenant William Wallace, and Second Lieutenant L. E. Fagan.
Commander Stevens was appointed to command the whole detachment.
On making a request to General Gillmore for some boats I learned that he also contemplated an assault the same night.
It was late in the evening before all the arrangements were made, particularly the concert with the detachment from the army, which was chiefly due to the want of competent signal officers.
It was about 10 o'clock when the boats in tow of a tug started up the main channel, with directions to await orders.
Delays of various kinds prevented me from moving till about 1 o'clock, when the Philadelphia was put in motion and in half an hour I was well up the channel and had hardly approached Sumter when the sound of musketry announced the attack; this did not last long and was followed by shell, etc., from Moultrie. Before I could reach Sumter the conflict had ceased. It was next morning before I learned positively that our party had been repulsed with considerable loss.
Of 400 men, I learn by flag of truce that 130 are prisoners; by our accounts 104 men and 10 officers are prisoners and 3 men are killed.
The names of the killed have not yet been ascertained, but will be forwarded to the Department as soon as reports are made of them.
I herewith transmit such reports as have been received of the action. Upon the receipt of additional reports I will forward them directly to the Department.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron,.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
-----
Extract from the staff journal of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
During the afternoon boats assembled at the flagship; officers came on board and made all arrangements for the proposed assault on Fort Sumter.
About 10:30, all arrangements being made, the boats pulled alongside the tug Daffodil, which was to tow the boats up.
Owing to difficulties in signaling, at 10:40 [p.m.] Lieutenant Preston, acting chief of staff, was sent on shore to confer with General Gillmore. At 12:10 he returned and very soon after the Daffodil, with boats in tow, started up the channel.
At 12:45 flagship got underway and stood up channel. At 1:10 was hailed by Daffodil and told if we went two lengths ****her should be ashore; we immediately anchored near buoy No. 3.
We had hardly anchored before a launch under command of Lieutenant Harris, of marine battalion, came on board and reported having lost the remainder of the party. He was directed to follow the admiral in.
At 1:30 the admiral left the ship. As about to leave a very heavy volley of musketry was seen to be fired from Fort Sumter; admiral immediately pulled for Sumter. Meanwhile Fort Sumter threw up a rocket and burned a red light and almost immediately the batteries on Sullivan's and James islands opened a heavy fire.
While pulling for Fort Sumter we encountered the Lehigh (the casing monitor) and pulled on board to learn if possible the results of the fire from the fort. A launch came alongside under command of Acting Master Hustace, and Lieutenant Pope, U. S. Marine Corps, reported a very heavy fire and loss as heavy.
Admiral remained on board Lehigh about ten minutes, when he left and pulled for the flagship.
MORTIMER L. JOHNSON,
Ensign, U. S. Navy.
---------------------
Report of Ensign Wallace, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports.
NAVAL BATTERY, MORRIS ISLAND, S. C.,
September 9, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 8th September, in obedience to orders from Lieutenant G. C. Remey, commanding naval battalion, I took charge of one boat and 19 men, armed and equipped. Lieutenant Remey commanded four boats, forming the second division, of which mine was the right boat. About 10 p.m. the Daffodil took the boats in tow and stood up for Charleston Harbor. About midnight we cast off from the Daffodil, and directly after Captain Stevens hailed and ordered me to pull for Fort Sumter. I did so, and while pulling Captain Stevens ordered me to follow the boat on my starboard bow, telling me she was going behind the fort. I followed the boat as directed and passed the side of Fort Sumter which faces Fort Moultrie. Discovering a steamer coming from behind the fort, the leading boat went close in under the walls; we followed her and pulled back toward the sea face, examining the foot of the fort to see if any of our boats had landed. Upon coming to the right bastion of the sea face, I found the marines in boats firing at the fort. I could find no officer to report to regarding the steamer, and no one could tell me whether our men had landed or where they were. Seeing a boat sinking, I pulled toward it, but found that all of its men had been taken out or drowned. Upon returning to the fort to examine the sea face and gorge wall, I observed all the boats retreating, and upon pulling up to one of them the officer in charge informed me that Captain Stevens had given the order to retreat. I could not find out if any of our boats had landed, and seeing no boats between me and the fort I pulled back to the flagship, where I first learned that Lieutenant Remey, with his boat's crew, had landed on Fort Sumter. The firing from the fort commenced about five minutes after I had received orders to follow behind the fort. The interval from the time the first gun was fired until the order to retreat was given was about twenty minutes, the enemy using small arms and hand grenades. Almost all the marine boats and a great many boats with sailors in them replied to the enemy's fire with their muskets and revolvers. When Fort Sumter opened on the boats Forts Moultrie and Johnson also opened. Lieutenant Remey, with his boat's crew of 10 men, were left on the fort when the retreat commenced, and were captured by the enemy. Our losses from the naval battery were Lieutenant Remey and 5 men captured.
I enclose the reports of Acting Ensign William Knapp and of Acting Master's Mate Hollins, who were in the other boats of the second division.
Respectfully submitted.
JAMES WALLACE,
Ensign, Commanding Naval Battery.
Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

continued
 
Report of Acting Ensign Knapp, U. S. Navy.
NAVAL BATTERY,
Morris Island, South Carolina, September 9, 1863.
SIR: At 10 p.m., 8th instant, I left the flagship, in company with other naval boats, in tow of U. S. S. Daffodil, to take part in the assault on Fort Sumter, under the immediate command of Lieutenant G. C. Remey, and was ordered by him to take position on the extreme left of the second division when we should be cast off from the tug. At midnight cast off from our tow, and took my position as ordered, and remained until ordered forward by Lieutenant Remey. I then pulled for Sumter until ordered to halt by the officer of the first division, and again advanced by his order, grounding my boat near the south angle of the fort as the sentry hailed us and discharged his musket; replied with a volley from our revolvers, and were loading again when the order was passed for us to cease firing and to withdraw. When shoving clear, discovered several men in the water; picked them up, 8 seamen and 1 marine, from the Powhatan the marine being badly wounded, thought it best to take him to the nearest vessel for medical attendance, and arrived at the flagship at 3:15 a.m. of 9th instant and returned to camp of naval battery at 12 m.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. KNAPP,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.
Ensign JAMES WALLACE,
Commanding Naval Battery, Morris Island, South Carolina.
-----
WM. KNAPP,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.
Ensign JAMES WALLACE,
Commanding Naval Battery, Morris Island, South Carolina.
-----
WM. KNAPP,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.
Ensign JAMES WALLACE,
Commanding Naval Battery, Morris Island, South Carolina.
-----
Other reports are available --

Really interesting read though Gary!

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf
 
This is the one you cited I believe:

Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 14 [S# 14]
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
From April 7 To September 8, 1863. pp. 605-650
Delayed report of Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy, forwarding reports of officers setting forth the impracticability of success in the attack.
ERIE, September 28, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith communications from Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Bunce, Lieutenant Moreau Forrest, and Lieutenant E. T. Brower, in relation to the boat expedition against Fort Sumter upon the night of the 8th September, 1863, and have the honor respectfully to request that the same publicity may be given to them as has already been given to the reports of other officers who were engaged in the affair. The two first-named gentlemen were in the boat with me and acted as my aids. Lieutenant Brower was captured upon the occasion; and his statement, with the official report of General Beauregard, shows the preparation on the part of the enemy, and the impracticability of the assault.
Though the commanding officer of the expedition, none of the reports as published were forwarded through me, excepting that of Lieutenant-Commander Bunce, and I knew nothing of their existence until I first read them among the documents accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy.
While the arrangements for the assault were being made, I was engaged with all the other ironclads, in the Patapsco, the whole being under command of Commodore Rowan, in an attack upon Fort Moultrie and the supporting batteries, the most formidable and severe action which has occurred between ironclads and land batteries, and it was not until late in the day the admiral notified me I had been assigned to the command of the expedition. I stated that I knew nothing of its organization, and made some remonstrance on this ground and others, when he replied, "There is nothing but a corporal's guard in the fort, and all we have to do is to go an take possession.
Having been actively engaged on constant service from that time until the present, I have been unable to procure these additional reports before, which, in justice to myself, I respectfully request may be published with the reports of the present year.
At the time of the assault there was a large detachment from the army in boats lying close to the fort, which retired without making any demonstration.
I have the honor to [be] your obedient servant,
T. H. STEVENS,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.


M. E. Wolf
 
Thank you Comrade Lupo (Italian for Wolf).

Our scheduled speaker for the local Civil War Round Table called on Monday and cancelled. This gave me three days to prepare a talk. I adapted Chapter 11 from my manuscript and gave the talk on the Siege of Battery Wagner. That chapter is over 20k words long and I reduced it to about 4,400 (with some jaw flapping on related topics). Hence, my continuing interest in the details such as corporal's guard. I've read it for years and never realized what it meant. Then I find it in one book which Comrade Steele confirmed independently. Now another CWRT has asked me to be their picnic speaker this August.

Again, thank you and everyone else for helping.
 
Dear Gary;

I'm so glad you were able to step up and speak for a group, when the original speaker had to cancel.

I'm glad that Johan_Steele was able to help you also!

Congratulations on your new speaking engagement at a Civil War Round-Table!

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf
 

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