This day in Charleston

August 3

2 entries · 1863–1864

1863Morris Island

Where to put a 10-inch Parrott

The ordnance department delivered a 10-inch Parrott rifle for the siege and its position came up for argument. Brooks pressed for a spot 225 yards in advance of the first parallel: five hundred and fifty yards nearer Fort Sumter, and better isolated from the James Island fire. The whole campaign turned on yards of range.

Major Brooks’ journal, OR I, 28, Pt. 1

1864Fort Sumter

Seventy-four shots, slight damage

“Seventy-four shots fired at fort to-day, 21 missed; 1 mortar shell, missed: damage very slight.” After three years, there was very little left at Fort Sumter that could be damaged badly.

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.