This day in Charleston

May 14

3 entries · 1862–1864

1862Freedom

“Disgusting Treachery and Negligence”

The Mercury reported the loss of the Planter under that headline, and did not name Robert Smalls — he is “four or five of her colored crew.” Its anger went to the three white officers who had gone ashore for the night; Relyea, Smith and Pitcher were arrested for court-martial. The paper still could not help printing the detail that makes the story: the Planter blew her whistle passing Fort Sumter, was seen plainly, was logged as the guard boat — and “on this trip did not turn.”

Charleston Mercury, 14 May 1862, p. 2, “Disgusting Treachery and Negligence”

1862Freedom

“The stealing of the steamer Planter”

General Ripley forwarded the reports on “the stealing of the steamer Planter from this post,” blaming the negligence of the boat’s captain and officers and their repeated disobedience of standing orders. The white officers had gone ashore for the night against orders. The court of inquiry found against them; Robert Smalls was already at Port Royal.

Official Records, Series I, Vol. 14

1864Fort Sumter

Seventy-four mortar shells, and poor practice

Two Parrott shots, three 10-inch columbiad shells and seventy-four 10-inch mortar shells since six the evening before, and no damage done. “Shelling last night very poor; of the 74 mortar shells fired 48 struck outside.” The fort's officers graded the enemy's gunnery every morning.

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.