Philip A. Warner papers, 1863 Sept. 13 and Nov. 26.

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Warner, Philip A. Philip A. Warner papers, 1863 Sept. 13 and Nov. 26.

Philip A. Warner papers, 1863 Sept. 13 and Nov. 26.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/680497707

Civil War letters, 13 Sept. and 26 Nov. 1863, written from Morris Island, S.C., by a Union soldier to his father, Andrew S. Warner in North Hampton, N.H., that describe the bombardment of Fort Sumter and Charleston as well as the second assault on Fort Wagner and Fort Gregg. Letter, 13 Sept. 1863, indicates that it has been 67 days since Union batteries in Lowcountry South Carolina on Folly Island opened fire onto Morris Island and that the capture of batteries Wagner and Gregg had now been accomplished. Union forces had constructed batteries and rifle pits, working under heavy fire from Confederates, and had consequently opened fire on Fort Sumter and kept up the bombardment until the fort was sufficiently disabled. Since Wagner and Gregg were now in their possession, heavy guns were being mounted on the former Confederate batteries to demolish Fort Sumter still more in hopes of forcing its surrender. Warner advised that Northerners need not think Charleston would fall quickly since Fort Sumter was "but a small thing" in the process of taking the city. Letter, 26 Nov. 1863, notes that Thanksgiving was being celebrated among the troops. Warner hoped that Union forces would soon be in control of Charleston. He further speculates that Fort Sumter could be taken at any time but that it would have to be taken by direct assault as Union batteries had already heavily damaged the fortification. The letter concludes with Warner's observation that surely doomed although "it is well fortified more so then eny other place in the South" and with words of praise for Gen. Quincy Gillmore, "he is the right man in the right place."

2 items.

University of South Carolina, System Library Service, University Libraries