This day in Charleston

August 9

2 entries · 1863–1864

1863Morris Island

Three problems, plainly stated

Brooks set down the difficulties he expected in approaching Battery Wagner: a front too narrow to work on and too little earth to cover with; a heavy cross-fire from Wagner, Sumter, Battery Gregg and the James Island batteries that would enfilade and take his trenches in reverse; and “the vigilance, skill, and obstinacy of the enemy’s sharpshooters.” All three came true.

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

1864Fort Sumter

Fifty-eight shots and one wounded foot

“Fifty-eight Parrott shots fired to-day. Private J. M. Head, Company H, Thirty-second Georgia, wounded in foot.” The 32nd Georgia held Fort Sumter through most of the summer of 1864 and is named in these returns almost daily.

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.