This day in Charleston

August 27

2 entries · 1863–1864

1863Morris Island

“I have burst three 8-inch guns in all”

Gillmore signaled Dahlgren for another 8-inch gun and a 100-pounder: “I have burst three 8-inch guns in all. We took 68 prisoners, including 2 officers, and gained 100 yards toward Wagner yesterday.” Dahlgren: “You can take the guns with pleasure. My attempt to pass the forts last night was frustrated by the bad weather.” Gillmore then asked whether it would inconvenience the fleet if he threw a calcium light on Sumter and Cumming’s Point all night.

Official Records, Series I, Vol. 28, Pt. 2

1864Fort Sumter

Thirty-five shells, no casualties

“Eight Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 5 missed; 27 columbiad shells, of which 2 missed. No casualties.” Huguenin's returns are so uniform that the exceptions — a name, a death — stand out sharply.

Fort Sumter post returns, OR I, 35, Pt. 1

Entries are dated from the War of the Rebellion official records, the naval official records and contemporary Charleston sources. Browse the whole year.