This day in Charleston

May 23

2 entries · 1864

1864The lines

Four regiments land on James Island — and are put back

Major General Sam Jones reported that the enemy had landed four or five regiments on James Island the previous morning and demonstrated against the works; they were checked and repulsed. To do it he had to hold the 20th South Carolina and two Florida battalions one more day — they were literally boarding the cars for Virginia. “It is very important that I should have a few more troops. Can I get any?”

Official Records, Series I, Vol. 35, Pt. 1

1864Fort Sumter

“I would prefer your opening on them”

At two in the morning: “Five of enemy's barges coming up to line of telegraph posts, same place as night before last; more of them lying at Vincent's Creek, would prefer your opening on them. Range from Johnson about the same to second or third shot to-day with 10-inch rifle.” Fort Sumter called down fire from the James Island batteries by signal.

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.