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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 1 [S# 1] CHAPTER I.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ORDERS RELATING SPECIALLY TO THE OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR FROM OCTOBER 31, 1860, TO APRIL 14, 1861.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
No. 53.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 23, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 26.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send 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 glacis 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
[Inclosures.]
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, might 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 was 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 authorities, 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."
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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.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
RICHMOND, VA., September 11, 1861.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, Manassas, Va.:
GENERAL: Your letter of September 6,1861,(*) has been submitted to the Secretary of War, who desires that you be informed that at this time it is impossible to spare the two regiments referred to from the particular service for which they are designed. Such unarmed companies as can be sent from this quarter for battery purposes at Fort Pickens and Evansport will be forwarded.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----
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.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#4
HEADQUARTERS, CENTREVILLE, November 11, 1861.
Brig. Gen. W. H. C. WHITING,
Commanding Troops near Dumfries:
MY DEAR GENERAL: I have sent both your letters on the subject of a new battery(*) to the War Department with my concurrence. I look upon the case as hopeless, however; it is too late to make this additional preparation against any combined operation against Evansport. Remember that it took our War Department a month to make the mere removal of guns and a little ammunition to Evansport. If the attack you anticipate is to be made, it must be within that time. Is your position near enough to Evansport? Will not the distance, 3 or 4 miles, render it difficult for you to defend both with your force? Consider the whole question carefully before breaking ground. Would not the masked battery used on a former occasion--I mean the guns and gunners--make a useful diversion, should the proposed battery not be ready?
Captain Stevens has been very sick and I fear will not be strong enough for service for some days yet. He is our only engineer, you know. Before leaving us I shall wish him to plan such additions as may enable Fort Pickens. to be independent of the army for a few days.
I am embarrassed on the subject of winter quarters. I made arrangements a month ago for the beginning of preparations, but was disappointed by the supposed contractor, who gave. up the undertaking without giving me notice. I suppose that upon occasion, your troops could make themselves log huts in a few days. Here we can't find the logs where the huts will be wanted.
Very truly, yours,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
General.
We have just received a report from Stuart that our pickets at Fairfax Court.House have been driven in, and that a large force is gathered at Springfield, on the railroad, 7 miles beyond.
-----
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME VI, Chapter XV [S# 6]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
Headquarters, November 19, 1861.
General LEE,
Commanding :
SIR: As you have recently arrived to take command, I think, perhaps, it may be useful to you to have a general and authentic statement of the forces now in actual service from Georgetown to Hardeeville. I therefore inclose the within statement, that you may know what troops you can use for any immediate emergency.
I am not yet prepared to state exactly what regiments can be raised immediately or mustered in. I suppose you will have about 2,500 of the arms recently arrived to put in their hands and I think I can have 1,000; that is, in all 3,500. If the regiments are mustered in and get those arms, which no doubt will be the case, it will give about 20,000 men, who can be relied on, with arms. As to what you can get in an emergency from General Lawton and General Anderson, I can know nothing certain.
With very great respect, your obedient servant,
F. W. PICKENS.
[Inclosure.]
Commands. Stations. Strength.
Boyce's artillery .................................... 124
Citadel Cadets .................................... 126
Claremont troops .................................... 65
Clingman's regiment Grahamville 1,100
Celt's artillery .................................... 132
College Cadets .................................... 60
De Saussure's brigade Charleston 2,750
De Saussure's regiment Hardeeville 800
Dunovant's regiment Pocotaligo and Hardeeville 800
Edwards' regiment Coosawhatchie 600
Gonzales' siege train (four guns) Huguenin's Neck 80
Hagood's regiment Cole's Island 750
Hatch's battalion James Island and Bull's Bay 500
Heyward's regiment Hardeeville 1,000
Jones' regiment Garden's Corner. 800
Lafayette Artillery Fort Pickens (Stone) 60
Lamar's artillery Fort Johnson 131
Lucas' battalion Fort Pickens (Stone) 70
Martin's regiment (mounted) .................................... 650
McCord's Zouaves .................................... 92
Moore's artillery (6 guns) Grahamville 110
Radcliffe's regiment Huguenin's Neck 1,000
Regular artillery Fort Sumter 560
Regular infantry To be kept in Fort Moultrie 420
Vigilant Rifles Fort Palmetto (Stone) 80
White's battalion .................................... 240
Total .................................... .................................... 13,100
continued
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 1 [S# 1] CHAPTER I.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ORDERS RELATING SPECIALLY TO THE OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR FROM OCTOBER 31, 1860, TO APRIL 14, 1861.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
No. 53.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 23, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 26.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send 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 glacis 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
[Inclosures.]
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, might 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 was 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 authorities, 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."
-----
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.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
RICHMOND, VA., September 11, 1861.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, Manassas, Va.:
GENERAL: Your letter of September 6,1861,(*) has been submitted to the Secretary of War, who desires that you be informed that at this time it is impossible to spare the two regiments referred to from the particular service for which they are designed. Such unarmed companies as can be sent from this quarter for battery purposes at Fort Pickens and Evansport will be forwarded.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----
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.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#4
HEADQUARTERS, CENTREVILLE, November 11, 1861.
Brig. Gen. W. H. C. WHITING,
Commanding Troops near Dumfries:
MY DEAR GENERAL: I have sent both your letters on the subject of a new battery(*) to the War Department with my concurrence. I look upon the case as hopeless, however; it is too late to make this additional preparation against any combined operation against Evansport. Remember that it took our War Department a month to make the mere removal of guns and a little ammunition to Evansport. If the attack you anticipate is to be made, it must be within that time. Is your position near enough to Evansport? Will not the distance, 3 or 4 miles, render it difficult for you to defend both with your force? Consider the whole question carefully before breaking ground. Would not the masked battery used on a former occasion--I mean the guns and gunners--make a useful diversion, should the proposed battery not be ready?
Captain Stevens has been very sick and I fear will not be strong enough for service for some days yet. He is our only engineer, you know. Before leaving us I shall wish him to plan such additions as may enable Fort Pickens. to be independent of the army for a few days.
I am embarrassed on the subject of winter quarters. I made arrangements a month ago for the beginning of preparations, but was disappointed by the supposed contractor, who gave. up the undertaking without giving me notice. I suppose that upon occasion, your troops could make themselves log huts in a few days. Here we can't find the logs where the huts will be wanted.
Very truly, yours,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
General.
We have just received a report from Stuart that our pickets at Fairfax Court.House have been driven in, and that a large force is gathered at Springfield, on the railroad, 7 miles beyond.
-----
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME VI, Chapter XV [S# 6]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
Headquarters, November 19, 1861.
General LEE,
Commanding :
SIR: As you have recently arrived to take command, I think, perhaps, it may be useful to you to have a general and authentic statement of the forces now in actual service from Georgetown to Hardeeville. I therefore inclose the within statement, that you may know what troops you can use for any immediate emergency.
I am not yet prepared to state exactly what regiments can be raised immediately or mustered in. I suppose you will have about 2,500 of the arms recently arrived to put in their hands and I think I can have 1,000; that is, in all 3,500. If the regiments are mustered in and get those arms, which no doubt will be the case, it will give about 20,000 men, who can be relied on, with arms. As to what you can get in an emergency from General Lawton and General Anderson, I can know nothing certain.
With very great respect, your obedient servant,
F. W. PICKENS.
[Inclosure.]
Commands. Stations. Strength.
Boyce's artillery .................................... 124
Citadel Cadets .................................... 126
Claremont troops .................................... 65
Clingman's regiment Grahamville 1,100
Celt's artillery .................................... 132
College Cadets .................................... 60
De Saussure's brigade Charleston 2,750
De Saussure's regiment Hardeeville 800
Dunovant's regiment Pocotaligo and Hardeeville 800
Edwards' regiment Coosawhatchie 600
Gonzales' siege train (four guns) Huguenin's Neck 80
Hagood's regiment Cole's Island 750
Hatch's battalion James Island and Bull's Bay 500
Heyward's regiment Hardeeville 1,000
Jones' regiment Garden's Corner. 800
Lafayette Artillery Fort Pickens (Stone) 60
Lamar's artillery Fort Johnson 131
Lucas' battalion Fort Pickens (Stone) 70
Martin's regiment (mounted) .................................... 650
McCord's Zouaves .................................... 92
Moore's artillery (6 guns) Grahamville 110
Radcliffe's regiment Huguenin's Neck 1,000
Regular artillery Fort Sumter 560
Regular infantry To be kept in Fort Moultrie 420
Vigilant Rifles Fort Palmetto (Stone) 80
White's battalion .................................... 240
Total .................................... .................................... 13,100
continued