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| Research | | ACW | | US War Dept. | | Official Records | | HTML | | Ser. I, Vol. 6, Ch. XV–Union Correspondence. |
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| Research | | ACW | | US War Dept. | | Official Records | | HTML | | Ser. I, Vol. 6, Ch. XV–Union Correspondence. |
WAR DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN:
GENERAL: You will proceed to New York immediately and organize, in connection with-Captain DuPont, of the Navy, an expedition of 12,000 men. Its destination you and the naval commander will determine after you have sailed. You should sail at the earliest possible moment.
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.
AUGUST 2, 1861.
Approved:
A. LINCOLN.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 11, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN:
SIR: You will proceed to the capitals of the States of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, and confer with the governors of those States on the subject which I have verbally communicated to you, and which is conveyed to the governors also in the letters herewith placed in your hands, and which you are requested to deliver. You will then proceed to New York City, as heretofore instructed.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.
[Inclosure.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 10, 1861.
General T. W. Sherman, having been charged with the preparation of an expedition to rendezvous on Long Island Sound, will, on the part of this Department, consult with you as to the troops which can be earliest made available for this service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.
Their excellencies the governors of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island,
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New YORK, August 20, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. G., U. S. A., Hdqrs. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: In conformity to verbal instructions of the 10th instant I have delivered in person the letters placed in my hands by the honorable {p.169} Secretary of War to the governors of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and conferred with each of them on the subject of my mission. Their excellencies were animated with a very commendable interest in the success of rendezvousing the force on Long Island, and feel a deep solicitude that the Government should extend its efforts even in different directions from those already commenced.
I have ascertained that the probable number of men that can be concentrated on Long Island by September 5 from the above States, with a little increase of energy, is: Maine, three regiments-New Hampshire, two regiments; Massachusetts, five regiments; Rhode Island, one regiment; Connecticut, two regiments; or about 13,000 men.
Some of these regiments will contain men peculiarly well adapted to the nature of the service required, but unless some means outside of the camp on Long Island be taken to make heavy artillerists, this force will be entirely deficient in that element, which the nature of our operations will render of the first importance. Any deficiency, therefore, of “regular” artillerists should be made up of men from these regiments sent to some of our forts for instruction in that particular arm.
But, in consequence of recent orders from the War Department to the governors, the force above, considered available for the expedition, is to be diverted to Washington City, and it now, therefore, remains for the Department to decide from whence and when this expedition is to be organized. The time set by the Cabinet for the expedition to leave is rapidly approaching, and, even with the greatest dispatch, it will already be impracticable to prepare it within that time. The rumored threats of the enemy on the Potomac but only necessitate the greater dispatch of this expedition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.
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HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., August 27, 1861.
[General THOMAS W. SHERMAN:]
SIR: Your letter of the 20th instant having been submitted to the Secretary of War, I now inclose herewith letters to be delivered or forwarded by you to the several governors to whom they are addressed. You will observe the former quota from Massachusetts is reduced from five to three regiments, and three regiments are now called for from New York, in the hope of thus hastening the organization of the force to be under your command.
Very respectfully, &c.,
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Inclosures.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 27, 1861.
SIR: This will be sent you by Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. A., who has heretofore communicated with you on the project of concentrating in a camp of instruction a number of regiments of United {p.170} States volunteers. As late emergencies may have somewhat interfered with this object, I have now to renew the request that you will put - regiments, as soon as they can be prepared for service, under the orders of General Sherman, who will indicate the place of rendezvous.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
(Copy sent to the governor of Maine, three regiments; governor of New Hampshire, two regiments; governor of Massachusetts, three regiments; governor of Rhode Island, one regiment; governor of Connecticut, two regiments; governor of New York, three regiments.)
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 27, 1861.
His Excellency E. D. MORGAN, Governor of New York:
SIR: This will be handed you by Brig Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, who will explain to your excellency the purpose of the Department in requesting that three of the New York regiments first prepared for service may be put under the orders of General Sherman as soon as they can be made ready. I will also request your excellency to send the next three New York regiments which may be ready, after those above indicated, to Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort. Va., and the Department will take it as a favor if you will inform it of your action in these matters.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1.}
HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, New York, September 9, 1861.
I. The following-named officers are announced upon the staff of the commanding officer:
Maj. H. G. Wright, U. S. Engineers, chief engineer.
Capt. John McNutt, U. S. Ordnance, chief ordnance officer.
Capt. Rufus Saxton, Quartermaster’s Department, U. S. Army, chief quartermaster.
Capt. Michael R. Morgan, Commissary of Subsistence, U. S. Army, chief commissary.
Lieut. Silas Crispin U. S. Ordnance.
Assistant Surgeon Chas. A. McCall, Medical Department, U. S. Army.
Lieut. George Merrill, volunteer aide.
Lieut. James Magner, volunteer aide.
H. The camp at Hempstead Plains will be designated and known as Camp Winfield Scott.
...
IV. Brigadier-General Viele, having been assigned to duty with this command, will take post at Camp Winfield Scott.
...
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
{p.171}–––
HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, New York, September 13, 1861.
Capt. RUFUS SAXTON, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army:
SIR: You will provide transportation in good, sound, and safe steamers for fourteen regiments of infantry from this place to localities not to be designated in the contract; said transportation to be ready to leave on the 5th of October. Besides the troops above mentioned, but in connection therewith, are to be transported some 1,400 tons of ordnance and ordnance stores, and the commissary and quartermaster’s stores, horses, &c., that will be hereafter turned over to you for that purpose.
Sufficient water must be provided for the men and horses for at least fifteen days, and proper and ample arrangements for cooking, &c., for the whole force. As it is very uncertain when the steamers can be discharged, and as some of them may be required for some time after reaching their destination, without any facilities or means of recoaling, the largest amount of coal must be taken, without prejudice to the stipulated cargo. No stipulation, however, should be made to keep the transports over fifteen days, and indeed this clause had better be left out altogether if practicable. Should it prove advantageous to the public interest to have a couple of these vessels in readiness by the 1st of October, in consideration of the immensity of your material and the difficulty of depositing it, you are authorized to do so, but the public economy must be consulted and adhered to in every contract.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, September 14, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, U. S. A., New York City, N. Y.:
General Scott says: “Come here with all your command without delay, leaving the smallest guard necessary to protect your camp.”
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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EXECUTIVE MANSION, September 18, 1861.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR:
MY DEAR SIR: To guard against misunderstanding I think fit to say that the joint expedition of the Army and Navy, agreed upon some time since, and in which General T. W. Sherman was and is to bear a conspicuous part, is in nowise to be abandoned, but must be ready to move by the 1st of or very early in October. Let all preparations go forward accordingly.
Yours, truly,
A. LINCOLN.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 5.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Washington, D. C., September 19, 1861.
The command will for the present be divided into three brigades, to be composed and commanded as follows:
First Brigade, Brigadier-General Viele.-The Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh, {p.172} and Forty-eighth New York, the Eighth Maine, and the Third New Hampshire Regiments.
Second Brigade, Brigadier-General -.-The two remaining Maine regiments, the remaining New Hampshire, and one of the Massachusetts regiments.
Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Wright.-The two Connecticut regiments and the first two Massachusetts regiments that arrive.
The Rhode Island regiment is reserved for special service and will be disposed of hereafter.
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Hartford, Conn., September 20, 1861.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington:
SIR: I telegraphed you on the 17th and 18th instant, and would now repeat the dispatch, by saying that the Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers left New Haven for Washington on the 17th instant with 974 men, rank and file, and the Seventh Regiment left on the 18th instant with about 1,000 men. Under the direction of General Sherman I fitted the regiments with only five wagons and two ambulances and a corresponding number of horses to each.
I am, dear sir, yours, with high regard,
WM. A. BUCKINGHAM.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Albany, N. Y., September 21, 1861.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with your telegraphic message of the 14th instant, received on the evening of that day, in the words following-
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 14, 1861.
Governor MORGAN, Astor House:
Secure transportation to-day, and forward immediately to Washington the three regiments intended for Sherman and all others that you can possibly send. Give them arms and start them. Sherman has been ordered here with all his force. Let me know immediately what you can do.
SIMON CAMERON Secretary of War.
I have dispatched six infantry regiments to Washington, commanded and of the strength, respectively, as near as can be ascertained at this moment: Forty-seventh New York, Colonel Moore 662; Forty-eighth New York, Colonel Perry, 950; Forty-sixth New fork, Colonel Rosa, 675; Forty-third New York, Colonel Vinton, 750; Forty-ninth New York, Colonel Bidwell, 800; Fiftieth New York, Colonel Stuart, 864. The first three were being organized for Brigadier-General Sherman, to be sent to his camp at Hempstead. The remaining three regiments would have been sent to General Wool at Fortress Monroe, agreeably to orders of 27th August, but for the above dispatch. I also forwarded {p.173} on Sunday last ten rifled cannon, with carriages, caissons, harness and shot, taking Major Hagner’s receipt therefor, to be replaced. I have not yet heard of the safe arrival of this battery.
The regiments forwarded are not all of the requisite strength, nor was it possible to send them in proper condition and comply with your telegraphic dispatch herein copied. I propose to retain recruiting the forces now in the State until near or quite full regimental organizations can be made therefrom and proper equipment can be provided, as the apprehended danger of an attack does not now, I believe, exist at Washington. It would be well for the General Government to direct the several departments of United States officers on duty in this State to fill promptly my requisitions, obey all orders, and to afford every facility in their power in aid of my efforts in supplying the General Government with troops; also to give me authority to continue the raising of regiments or batteries without limit until revoked, or, if in your judgment you deem it necessary and proper to fix a limit, let it be for twenty infantry regiments, additional to those called for, and the proper proportion additional of artillery and cavalry. I do not propose that this call should be public. I am sure it should not be, yet I need the power, as all present requirements, judging from present appearances, are quite sure to be filled. I also desire that, disregarding specifications and forms, the Government should send without delay a competent person to purchase horses in this State, Vermont, or elsewhere near by, for all the purposes required, whether for artillery, cavalry, or ambulance service. Horse equipments, sabers, and bugles are needed immediately. The inspection of horses should be here, and the delivery of them here. Inspection at Washington will greatly embarrass matters. They will be wanted for drilling purposes sooner than they can be purchased and delivered.
Colonel Bailey’s regiment at Elmira will consist of ten batteries; the guns, carriages, caissons, shot, harness, and uniforms for the men will be ready, and there will be no finer regiment in the service. He is almost discouraged, as he does not get detached from the United States service, and horses, horse equipments, sabers, and bugles are indispensable, and no ability to procure the former under the restrictions in the horse specifications, and the latter I have been informed would be provided by the Government. At this moment there is less difficulty in getting soldiers than arms. May I ask your immediate attention to the several subjects to which this communication relates?
Faithfully and truly, yours,
E. D. MORGAN.
[Indorsement.]
The within letter of Governor Morgan is referred to the Quartermaster-General, with the request that he will reply to that portion which refers to purchasing horses.
By order:
J. LESLEY, JR.
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXEC. DEPT., Boston, Mass., September 23, 1861.
Brigadier-General SHERMAN, U. S. A.:
GENERAL: His excellency Governor Andrew directs me to write you that he expects you to exert all the personal effort within your power to secure to your command the contingent which you expect from Massachusetts, and prevent it from being diverted to General Butler or any {p.174} other officer. His excellency pledged to you his own personal efforts to secure to you the first regiments whose organization should be completed in the State after the dispatch to Washington of the five regiments which were forming when you first visited Boston. Those five regiments are all now in the field in active service, and the three which he conceives rightfully to belong to your command (being the three which will next be completed) are General Wilson’s two regiments, now encamped at Springfield, i.e., the Twenty-second and Twenty-third, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment, now encamped at Worcester. Other regiments can be furnished General Butler in proper time, and neither he nor any other commander ought to be allowed to divert from you these three regiments, which are yours almost by right. His excellency, so far as he can influence the matter, proposes to assign to General Butler the regiment being raised by Colonel Jones (the Twenty-sixth), who is a townsman and a personal and political friend of General Butler, and also an Irish regiment, whose organization is in progress. There can be no just pretense on which your claim to the Twenty-second, Twenty-third, and Twenty-fifth can be disputed; but as it is probable that it may, nevertheless, be drawn into question, his excellency relies upon you, for your own sake, to assist him to maintain it. The Twenty-second is already full, and it will be ready to move at the beginning of next week-certainly by October I. The Twenty-third and Twenty-fifth are also in an advanced state of progress.
I have the honor to be, very truly, your obedient servant,
A. G. BROWNE, JR., Captain and Military Secretary.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Boston, Mass., September 23, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN:
GENERAL: Since the accompanying letter was written his excellency Governor Andrew has received a telegram from the office of the Secretary of War as follows:
Select the regiments yourself for Sherman, and supply him first.
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Acting Secretary of War.
I have the honor to remain, yours, very truly,
THOS. DREW, Assistant Military Secretary.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, New York, September 27, 1861.
Capt. RUFUS SAXTON, Assistant Quartermaster:
SIR: The vessels chartered to transport the fourteen regiments are to form two divisions, to move and act together or separately, as the circumstances may require.
Division No. 1 is to accommodate 8,000 men, the ordnance and ordnance stores provisions, and material for a certain locality, the amount of which will be furnished you by the chief ordnance officer and commissary.
{p.175}Division No. 2 is to accommodate, say, 5,000 men, with the ordnance and ordnance stores, provisions, and material for another locality, the amount of which will also be furnished you by the same officers.
The light guns and their carriages complete, with their ammunition, are to be so placed on the transports that they can be got off at a moment’s notice for immediate action. The regimental commissaries will have sufficient supplies furnished them for the voyage, so that the bulk of the supplies will remain intact during the voyage. The surf-boats are to be so secured that they can be launched with safety at a moment’s notice.
A transport must be fitted up mainly for the purpose of transporting the horses, and the greatest security afforded them by proper stalls and slings. A sufficient quantity of disinfectants must be taken along to insure health on board each vessel.
The shipping of so large a quantity of supplies and the necessary distribution of it among so many vessels will demand a great deal of care and system to prevent misplacement and delay in getting at the proper stores wanted at the period of landing, as well as to prevent losses, and you are authorized to employ all the assistance necessary to effect these important ends. The most of the staff officers of the command being necessarily employed with their brigades in Washington City, it will require the utmost exertion and management on your part to get this expedition fitted out within the time designated, and you are authorized to call on Colonel Tompkins for any assistance he can render, and if that is insufficient, to employ responsible agents to assist you in the work.
Very respectfully,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 5, 1861.
Maj. Gen. JOHN E. WOOL, Commanding Fort Monroe:
Please select 1,000 active men from the lot of fugitive contrabands now on hand at Fort Monroe, and prepare them to accompany General Sherman’s expedition to the Southern coast. Have them ready to embark by the 15th of October. General Sherman will provide transportation.
I have the honor to be, very truly, yours,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Acting Secretary of War.
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 10.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Washington, D. C., October 5, 1861.
I. Surg. George E. Cooper, Medical Department, U. S. Army, is hereby announced as medical director to this command.
II. Brigadier-General Viele’s brigade will continue its movement to Annapolis, as before directed.
III. Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright will move his brigade to Annapolis at the earliest possible moment. The Ninth Maine and the Fourth New Hampshire Regiments are assigned to this Third Brigade and will move with it, taking the place of the two Massachusetts regiments not arrived.
General Wright will apply to the headquarters of the Army of the {p.176} Potomac for the necessary transportation of baggage, property, and supplies.
IV. The Second Brigade of this division will be composed of the Massachusetts regiment daily expected in New York, the Eighth Michigan, the Fiftieth Pennsylvania and the Roundhead Pennsylvania Regiments. The Massachusetts regiment will embark at New York, and the three remaining regiments now in Washington will march as soon as practicable to Annapolis, under their brigade commander. In the event of no brigade commander being assigned to this brigade before that time, it will march on Wednesday morning, 9th instant, under the command of its senior colonel.
The headquarters of the Army of the Potomac will be applied to for transportation of baggage, property, and supplies.
V. Hamilton’s light battery of artillery will march at once to Annapolis and report to the commanding officer of the expedition.
VI. All the above-mentioned troops will be in position, with all brigade and staff officers at their posts, on Thursday, the 10th instant, in readiness for embarkation.
VII. The position at Annapolis will be taken up with fifteen days’ supply of subsistence and forage.
VIII. The movements above directed will be conducted by the brigade commanders, who will arrange their own transportation, and, to avoid interference, Brigadier-General Wright’s brigade will leave not later than Tuesday morning, 8th instant, and the Independent brigade positively on Wednesday morning.
IX. The embarkation will be made in accordance with orders hereafter published.
X. Brigade commanders will enforce a strict compliance with the regulation for allowance of personal baggage.
By command of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
JUSTUS STEINBERGER, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, October 14, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expedition to the Southern Coast:
SIR: In conducting military operations within States declared by the proclamation of the President to be in a state of insurrection you will govern yourself, so far as persons held to service under the laws of such States are concerned, by the principles of the letters addressed by me to Major-General Butler on the 30th of May and the 8th of August, copies of which are herewith furnished to you.* Special directions adapted to special circumstances cannot be given. Much must be referred to your own discretion as commanding general of the expedition. You will, however, in general avail yourself of the services of any persons, whether fugitives from labor or not, who may offer them to the National Government. You will employ such persons in such services as they may be fitted for-either as ordinary employés, or, if special circumstances seem to require it, in any other capacity, with such organization (in squads, companies, or otherwise) as you may deem most beneficial to the service; this, however, not being a general arming of them for military service. You will assure all loyal masters that Congress will provide just compensation to them for the loss of the services of the persons so employed. {p.177} it is believed that the course thus indicated will best secure the substantial rights of loyal masters and the proper benefits to the United States of the services of all disposed to support the Government, while it will avoid all interference with the social systems or local institutions of every State, beyond that which insurrection makes unavoidable and which a restoration of peaceful relations to the Union under the Constitution will immediately remove.
Respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Acting Secretary of War.
* See under these dates in Vol. I, Series III, pp. 282, 402.
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HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, October 14, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, U. S. Volunteers:
SIR: You have been selected to command the land portion of a joint expedition with a naval squadron, and selected on account of its importance. A short letter of general instructions you have already received from the War Department, and are fully impressed with the principal objects of the expedition. Wishing to leave you a wide margin of discretion, I have but little to add, and that little relates to the principles which govern co-operation in joint expeditions. No land officer can be subjected in strictness to the orders of any sea officer until placed on ship to serve as a marine, and no sea officer under the orders of a land officer unless placed in some fortification to assist in its defense or before it to assist in its capture. But land troops embarked in vessels of war for transportation merely will be considered, in respect to naval commanders, as passengers, subject, of course, to the internal regulations of the vessel.
Cordiality and deference on the part of our land forces towards those of our Navy in the service in question need scarcely to be urged. Hearty reciprocity cannot fail to be the result. To this end free and frequent conferences between the joint commanders are recommended. Accordingly the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, requires and expects the most effective and cordial co-operation between the commanders of the expedition, their officers and men, and will hold all, in proportion to rank, to a strict and severe responsibility for any failure to preserve harmony and to secure all the objects of the joint expedition.
You will take care to maintain strict order and discipline among your troops, not to neglect opportunities of making the prescribed returns to the Adjutant-General, and to report to him every incident of importance that may occur to your command.
I am, with great respect,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Annapolis, Md., October 14, 1861.
The following-named officers are announced upon the staff of the general commanding:
Capt. Louis H. Pelouze, Fifteenth Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general.
First Lieut. George Merrill, U. S. volunteers, aide-de-camp.
Capt. Rufus Saxton, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Army, chief quartermaster. {p.178}
Capt. Michael R. Morgan, commissary subsistence, U. S. Army, chief commissary.
Capt. Quincy A. Gillmore, U. S. Engineers, chief engineer.
Capt. John McNutt, Ordnance Department, chief of ordnance.
Surg, George E. Cooper, Medical Department, U. S. Army, medical director.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Act. Asst. Adjt. General.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 13.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Annapolis, Md., October 15, 1861.
The following instructions are promulgated for the information and guidance of the troops composing this command:
I. The troops will embark on the transports, which will be specially assigned to brigades and regiments. The senior officer on board each transport will assign each company, when embarked, its position, and see that each man has been assigned a place or bunk, which assignment will remain permanent while on board.
II. The arms, accouterments, and knapsack of each man will be disposed of with a view to convenience and security, and the ammunition, in cartridge-boxes, will be so placed as to be entirely secure from fire.
III. Every precaution will be taken against fire. Smoking between decks or in the cabins will be prohibited. No lights will be permitted between decks, except such ship-lanterns as may be directed to be suspended in secure positions.
IV. As transports on sea voyages can carry but a limited supply of water, every precaution will be taken to prevent waste or its unnecessary use. The daily allowance per man, including that required for cooking purposes, will be limited to one gallon, and the allowance for each horse to three gallons. This quantity may be reduced by the senior officer on each transport, if deemed necessary.
V. A sufficient guard will be mounted daily, with side-arms, and so posted as will best prevent fire and any improper use of water.
VI. No arm will be loaded on board of transports without proper orders. Both arms and ammunition will be kept in a serviceable condition, and at all times in readiness for use at a moment’s notice. Reserve ammunition will be deposited in a safe position, the master of the transport to be consulted as to its location.
VII. The master of each transport will be requested by the senior officer on board to provide wind-sails sufficient to keep the men below decks comfortable at all times.
VIII. Much attention will be paid to the cooking. Such arrangements will be made with the masters of transports as will insure a regular supply of meals to all. The caboose will be kept free of all persons not sent to it on duty. Fancy cooking-such, for instance, as frying meats and dough in fat-is prohibited. Soups, boiled meats, and hard bread compose the true and healthy diet of the soldier on transports at sea.
IX. The Quartermaster’s Department will supply the proper disinfecting agents to secure the comfort and health of the command.
By order of Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Act. Asst. Adjt. General.
{p.179}–––
WASHINGTON, October 17, 1861.
General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Annapolis:
If General McClellan should consent to spare the New York Seventy ninth Regiment to join your expedition with General Stevens, do you want them, and have you transportation for them? Answer immediately.
THOMAS A. SCOTT.
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ANNAPOLIS, October 17, 1861.
Hon. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War:
Have received your dispatch. I want the Highlanders (Seventy-ninth), and I have transportation. Send them on immediately.
T. W. SHERMAN.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, October 17, 1861.
General MCCLELLAN:
If Generals Stevens and Sherman want the New York Seventy-ninth to go with expedition, can you spare them without serious loss or inconvenience? Please answer.
THOMAS A. SCOTT.
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CAMP GRIFFIN, October 17, 1861.
Hon. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War:
I gave General Sherman all the regiments he asked for. At least two of those originally intended for him, and promised to me, have been diverted from me. The artillery promised me to replace Hamilton’s battery have not been given to me. I will not consent to one other man being detached from this army for that expedition. I need far more than I now have to save this country, and cannot spare any disciplined regiment. Instead of diminishing this army, true policy would dictate its immediate increase to a large extent. It is the task of the Army of the Potomac to decide the question at issue. No outside expedition can effect the result. I hope that I will not again be asked to detach anybody.
GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 15.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Annapolis, Md., October 17, 1861.
The embarkation of the troops of this division will commence immediately and in accordance with the following order and assignment:
I. First Brigade, Brigadier-General Viele, commanding.
Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers to steamer Atlantic.
Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers to steamer Webster.
Forty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers to steamer Roanoke.
Forty-eighth Regiment New York Volunteers to steamer Empire City.
Eighth Regiment Maine Volunteers to steamer Ariel.
The horses and wagons pertaining to the First Brigade are assigned to the steamers Belvidere and Philadelphia.
{p.180}II. Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, commanding.
Roundhead Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to steamer Ocean Queen.
Five companies of the Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to steamer Ocean Queen.
Five companies of the Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to steamer Vanderbilt.
Eighth Regiment Michigan Volunteers to steamer Vanderbilt.
The horses and wagons pertaining to the Second Brigade are assigned to the steamer Ben De Ford.
III. Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright, commanding.
Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers to the steamer Baltic.
Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers to the steamers Marion and Parkersburg.
Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers to the steamer Illinois.
Ninth Regiment Maine Volunteers to the steamer Coatzacoalcos.
The horses and wagons pertaining to the Third Brigade are assigned to the steamer Baltic.
IV. Hamilton’s light battery to steamer Ericsson.
V. The Battalion of Volunteer Engineers (now at Fortress Monroe, Va.) to the steamer Star of the South.
VI. The regiment of Rhode Island volunteers (now at Fortress Monroe, Va.) to the steamer Cahawba.
VII. Division headquarters to the steamer Atlantic and the horses pertaining thereto to the steamer Ericsson.
VIII. Each brigade commander will select from the transports assigned to his brigade the one upon which the headquarters will embark, the name of the transport thus selected to be reported to these headquarters.
IX. The horses and equipments of mounted officers will, as far as practicable, be so placed as to be disembarked at the shortest notice.
X. Brigade commanders will issue and enforce such orders as will effectually prevent any person not belonging to the military organization from embarking on their transports, and will prevent any stores from being shipped but the necessary provisions and supplies, including the authorized allowance of camp and garrison equipage.
XI. No sutler but the one appointed by the Secretary of War will be recognized in any manner or received on board the transports belonging to this command.
By order of General T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 16.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Annapolis, Md., October 17, 1861.
It is confidently expected that General Orders, No. 15, current series, from these headquarters will be enforced with vigor and promptitude. The officers concerned will infuse into their men a spirit of energy adequate to the occasion; they will see that their respective commands move with life and alacrity; that all work is so systematized that every man and body of men may work to advantage.
Each officer and man will apply his every effort to the task set before him, and will exhibit at all times and upon all occasions that spirit of {p.181} energy and industry so essential in every well-disciplined command and without which successful war cannot be prosecuted.
Whilst the general commanding expects in this way the support of his command, he regrets to say that he has recently noticed a few instances of a lax, loose, and lazy bearing on the part of a few men when on duty. This spirit, if generally diffused, would ignore all usefulness and destroy all prospects of successful operations.
Commanders should at once bring to their official notice all cases of this nature, and if shame will not bring the offender to a sense of duty, punishment must be resorted to.
II. All horses and wagons that the chief quartermaster decides cannot be taken on the transports will be transferred to the quartermaster of the post, with the requisite invoices.
By order Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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WASHINGTON, October 18, 1861.
General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Annapolis, Md.:
Your dispatch of yesterday received and shown to General McClellan. I have promised him to not break his army here without his consent.
I do not think I shall go to Annapolis.
A. LINCOLN.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 19.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Steamer Atlantic, October 23, 1861.
This command will sail for its destination in a very few days, under convoy of a naval squadron, commanded by Commodore DuPont. The transports will move in three columns and in rear of the main body of the squadron. The transports belonging to the First Brigade will compose the right column, those of the Second Brigade and the Third Rhode Island Regiment the center, and those of the Third Brigade and the Battalion of Volunteer Engineers the left column. Each vessel will retain its order in column, and the columns will move in parallel lines, equidistant, regulating from the right. The sail vessels and other transports inadequate to the task of sailing with the fleet will be towed by such steamers as the chief quartermaster may designate. Commodore DuPont, in co-operation with the land forces, has kindly made such an arrangement of his fleet as will secure the transports from unnecessary diffusion, and all senior officers on transports and masters of vessels will enter into the spirit of and conform to these arrangements, a plan of which will be duly given.
II. The general commanding announces to the expeditionary corps that it is intended to make a descent on the enemy’s coast, and probably under circumstances which will demand the utmost vigilance, coolness, and intrepidity on the part of every officer and man of his command. In consideration of the justness and holiness of our cause, of the ardent patriotism which has prompted the virtuous and industrious citizens of our land to fly to their country’s standard in the moment of her peril, he most confidently believes that he will be effectually and efficiently supported in his efforts to overthrow a zealous, active, and wily foe, whose cause is unholy and principles untenable.
{p.182}III. On the approach of the transports to the place of disembarkment each brigade commander will anchor his transports as near each other as practicable, and will at the proper time superintend the disembarkment of his brigade. The surf-boats, with other means for disembarkment on hand, are believed to be capable of landing at once from 3,000 to 4,000 men. The surf-boats are of different sizes. Two of the largest may take the officers and men of a company of 100 men; two of the next size a company of 70 men, and so on in proportion. The other means of transportation may take the remainder of a brigade, with probably one or two sections of field artillery.
IV. The disembarkment will be made in three lines. The first line will be the brigade of General Wright, flanked by two sections of Hamilton’s light battery, and accompanied by the squad of Regular Sappers and Miners and two companies of Serrell’s volunteer engineers, with a sufficient supply of intrenching tools and sand bags. The second line will be the brigade of General Stevens, and, if necessary, accompanied by a section of Hamilton’s battery and two field pieces, to be manned by a company of the Third Rhode Island Regiment. The reserve will be composed of General Viele’s brigade, the remaining portion of Serrell’s volunteer engineers, and the Third Rhode Island Regiment, and will be disposed of according to circumstances.
V. The boats of not only each company, but of each regiment and brigade, will land abreast as far as practicable, and in the order of battle. The utmost effort will be made to effect the landing in that order. Should it be found impracticable to land immediately from the lighters then the surf-boats, when emptied, will immediately proceed to the rapid landing of the men from the lighters, and as soon as the whole line is landed all the boats will return and bring forward in like manner the troops of the second line, and so with the reserve.
VI. The general officers and commanders of battalions, &c., will be furnished in time with the plan of descent and the particular order of battle. It is probable that the first line will have to conquer the ground on which to establish itself, and, if opposed by greatly superior numbers, to maneuver, and perhaps to momentarily intrench. If not seriously opposed, the first line, after overcoming immediate difficulties, will continue to drive backward the enemy, but will not venture beyond supporting distance from the shore before the landing of the general commanding or without his special orders.
VII. The commanding officer of the naval squadron has kindly consented to furnish 300 sailors to assist in launching and manning the surf-boats, and he appeals to the patriotism of the masters, mates, and sailors of the several transports to furnish an additional number of coxswains and oarsmen. Any deficiency of oarsmen in surf-boats will be supplied from the platoons on board of these respectively, so that each boat, when ready, may be rapidly rowed ashore. The soldier oarsmen will land and form with their platoons.
VIII. General and field officers, with their respective staffs, will endeavor to obtain landing boats for themselves, with the necessary coxswains and oarsmen from the transports and other hired vessels of the fleet.
IX. The senior officer of the troops on board each transport will arrange with the master for voluntary helps of this kind which may be needed and can be given, and will make a special report to these headquarters as early as practicable of the assistance thus rendered.
X. As soon as the landing shall have been effected the surf and other {p.183} landing boats will revert to the chief quartermaster for immediate supplies.
XI. The sick and non-effective men will remain on board the several transports until provision can be made for them on shore. The noneffectives will be specially charged with the care of the sick, under directions to be left by the respective medical officers.
XII. Medical officers, excepting one from each brigade, to be designated by the respective brigade commanders, will land with the troops. The three medical officers left afloat will, under the directions of the medical director, divide the duty of visiting all the sick on board, including those of the Third Rhode Island Regiment and the Battalion of Volunteer Engineers.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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CIRCULAR.]
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, U. S. F. Wabash, October 26, 1861.
In consequence of the present unexpected delay in puffing to sea, on account of unfavorable weather, it is considered indispensable to impress upon the minds of all commanding officers of troops on transports the strict necessity of conforming to orders heretofore given, respecting cleanliness and the economy in the use of water.
To still further secure the command from an eventual want of water, all steam transports will, whilst lying still, be occupied in condensing as much water as practicable.
It is probable that some of the transports will hold their troops from twenty to thirty days.
All commanding officers will see the necessity of having everything in readiness for a prompt debarkation. The field artillery particularly will have its guns, carriages, horses and harness ready to disembark without unnecessary delay. All obstructions on board preventing this promptness must be removed as soon as the transports get to sea.
Every transport, as well as the troops on board, must be ready to sail at any moment, when the proper signals are given.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hampton Road., October 27, 1861.
General M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
The unexpected delay of the expedition at this point owing to the stormy and unfavorable state of the weather for our light vessels and tugs, will, it is very much to be apprehended, produce a failure in our supply of water.
Our horses have already been on board some thirteen days and men a week. Although all the vessels were loaded with all the water they could carry, some of the transports are already reduced to a supply for nine days.
{p.184}Major Belger has been written to, with an urgent request for him to forward immediately to this place 200,000 gallons, and as we shall leave here the very first favorable moment, the post quartermaster will have sealed instructions for the water transports, directing to what point they shall proceed.
The resources of Fort Monroe are not at our disposal, even if they had more water than they want themselves.
Will you please to instruct Major Belger to promptly send forward the water asked for? The weather is such that Commodore DuPont decides it yet unsafe for our fleet to put to sea.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, October 28, 1861.
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:
SIR: By special messenger I would inform you that the expedition under the command of Brigadier-General Sherman is still in Hampton Roads. Brigadier-General Sherman has been here since Tuesday last. On his arrival, in order to hasten his departure, I gave him a large amount of supplies, among others 350,000 rounds of cartridges. It appears that his ammunition was stored at the bottom of his ships, and could not be got at short of four days. To prevent this delay I granted him the ammunition, which leaves me less than 100 rounds to each man of my command, which I earnestly request that you will have increased to the number delivered to Brigadier-General Sherman with as little delay as practicable. When I gave the ammunition I was under the impression that the expedition would leave immediately. It is now nearly seven days since the general received the ammunition, and the fleet is still in port, and when it will sail is more than I can tell. I am now furnishing ten days’ rations for the soldiers, and for the same reasons assigned for the ammunition furnished, that their rations are stowed where they cannot be got at without several days’ delay I will venture to assert that a worse-managed expedition could not well be contrived. Every opportunity has been given the rebels to be prepared to meet them at any point on the coast. Among other opportunities a deserter from the fleet, a petty officer (the party referred to I find upon inquiry to be Mr. Hale, a young officer connected with the Navy, and, I believe, a relative of Secretary Welles, a native of Virginia), carried with him the signal book, and, as he said, a knowledge of the destination of the expedition.
My object, however, in making this communication is to hasten a supply of ammunition for small-arms. In supplying Brigadier-General Sherman’s command, I have not now 100 rounds for each man remaining in store. I would again call your attention to the garrison of Fort Monroe. I am deficient in artillerists, both in officers and men. I could not man more than ten guns. I made a special report on this subject to Lieutenant General Scott, 26th instant.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.
{p.185}–––
Abstract from return of the Expeditionary Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen.. Thomas W. Sherman, for October 28, 1861.
| Command. | Present. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers. | Men. | Aggregate. | |||
| For duty. | Total. | For duty. | Total. | ||
| Division staff | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 51 |
| First Brigade | 185 | 192 | 3,682 | 3,796 | 3,988 |
| Second Brigade | 137 | 141 | 3,015 | 3,196 | 3,337 |
| Third Brigade | 147 | 188 | 3,574 | 3,747 | 3,900 |
| Troops not brigaded | 61 | 62 | 1,242 | 1,315 | 1,377 |
| Total | 556 | 574 | 11,538 | 12,079 | 12,653 |
Organization of the Expeditionary Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, October 28, 1861.
|
|
CIRCULAR.]
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, U. S. F. Wabash (off Port Royal, S. C.), Nov. 4, 1861.
The general commanding has the unparalleled gratification to congratulate the officers and men of his command upon their safe arrival at this point, after a most perilous and tempestuous passage from Hampton Roads.
Some vessels probably have been lost, but it is believed that the hand of Providence has saved the lives of all. For this let us be thankful to the Ruler of our destinies, in whom we must ever trust for protection.
Soldiers! Let the dangers you have encountered and the anxieties you have experienced be an incentive to a greater exertion on your part in the holy cause in which you are engaged. The eves of your country are upon you. She expects you to conquer. Deceive not her expectations. Be cool and determined. Act only at the command of your officers, and be prompt to do so. Be not led away by a vain and spontaneous enthusiasm, nor restrained by a want of willingness or alacrity. Let your officers judge when you are to act; to do otherwise would lead to confusion and disgrace. Some of you have not had proper opportunities for instruction; let coolness, firmness, and the cold steel take the place of better instruction.
{p.186}Soldiers! You are contending against an enemy who depreciates your manhood, who denies that your prowess is equal to his. Belie this sentiment, or you will disgrace yourselves and your nativity.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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HILTON HEAD, Port Royal, S. C., November 9, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report the arrival at this place of all the vessels which I chartered in New York, having on board General Sherman’s entire command, with the greater part of the supplies. For your approval of the care exercised in the selection of vessels for the transportation of troops, I wish to mention that we rode out one of the severest gales which have occurred on this coast for a long time without losing a single man.
The fleet left Hampton Roads on the 29th of October. On the 1st of November it encountered a heavy gale, which scattered it in every direction. The quartermaster’s steamer (Winfield Scott, Captain Seldy) lost all her cargo, and was so much injured that she can never leave this port. The quartermaster’s steamer (Union) with stores, it is reported, went ashore on the South Carolina coast, and was lost; her crew taken prisoners. The steamers Peerless and Osceola, sent by Colonel Tompkins from New York, with cattle, were lost. The crew of the Peerless was saved. The steamer Belvidere, from Baltimore, with horses, was compelled to put back to Hampton Roads, having thrown overboard a portion of her horses. On the 3d of November the fleet arrived at this place. It gives me great pleasure to report that so far the expedition has been a complete success. We are now in complete possession of the finest harbor in the South, where the largest ships can enter and ride at anchor in safety. In the heart of the richest part of the cotton district, with direct and easy communication by water inland with Charleston and Savannah, it possesses unrivaled advantages for a quartermaster’s and naval depot, and in the future a great commercial city must grow up here.
A place of such importance cannot be held for any great length of time without large re-enforcements. All the stores have now to be landed through the surf; a laborious, tedious operation, detaining these large ships a long time in discharging their cargo. Economy requires that a substantial wharf should be built. I have made a requisition on Colonel Tompkins for a steam pile-driver and scow and the plank necessary to cover the pier. If this meets your approval, I hope that Colonel Tompkins may be directed to send them as soon as practicable.
The water ships have arrived. The brilliant victory gained by the naval fleet enabled the troops to land much sooner than was expected when the request for water was sent, and rendered our wants in this respect less pressing than they would have been under other circumstances. An abundance of good water can be had by sinking wells.
In order to insure regularity and promptness in forwarding supplies to the troops, I would respectfully call your attention to the propriety of keeping two or three first-class steamers like the Atlantic and Baltic running constantly between this place and New York.
Contraband negroes are coming in in great numbers. In two days {p.187} 150 have come in, mostly able-bodied men, and it will soon be necessary to furnish them with coarse clothing.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
R. SAXTON, Captain, U. S. Army, Assistant Quartermaster.
[Indorsements.]
NOVEMBER 15, 1861.
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War. The requisition for pile-driver has been approved. The safe escape of all the vessels engaged by Captain Saxton did credit to his care and judgment.
There should be a regular line of large steamers between New York and Port Royal now running as transports. I know of none better than the Atlantic and Baltic, and I suggest the propriety of purchasing instead of chartering for the consideration of the Department of War.
Respectfully,
M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General.
NOVEMBER 16, 1861.
I read the indorsement to the Secretary, who decides that the Baltic and Atlantic may be purchased. Requested Mr. Tucker to see to this.
M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 24.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 11, 1861.
The general commanding is pained to know that some of the troops of his command have, without orders, invaded the premises of private individuals and committed gross depredations upon their property, and what he considers a matter of still graver character and most prejudicial to the discipline of the command and the interests of the service is, that some commissioned officers (it is hoped but few) have not only connived at these outrages, but have actually participated in them.
The rights of citizens to be secure in their property and the character of the American Army are too important to allow such transactions to go unrebuked, The first duty of the soldier is the protection of the citizen. The political character of the citizen is not to be judged and weighed in this manner by the soldier, and there must be by him no molestation of his lawful rights. The Government alone is to decide how far the present unfortunate condition of this portion of the country is to authorize or demand a departure from the well-settled principles of American law.
Brigade commanders and all other commanding officers will at once see that these depredations cease, and endeavor to ascertain the names of the perpetrators, that they may be brought to justice.
All horses, cattle, and other private property which have been taken off any of the plantations and now in the hands of officers or soldiers, will be immediately surrendered to the chief quartermaster, who will cause an inventory to be taken of the same, stating, if practicable, to whom the property belongs, and make a report to these headquarters.
II. All public property left by the enemy, such as muskets, accouterments, &c., and now in the hands of soldiers or citizens, will be immediately turned over to the chief ordnance officer, Lieut. Francis J. Shunk.
{p.188}III. All persons found outside the pickets without a pass will be arrested and reported to these headquarters.
By order of Brigadier-General T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 15, 1861.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in consequence of the difficulty and great amount of labor in landing our stores, some delay must necessarily occur in continuing operations. This delay is as distasteful to us as it must be to the authorities at Washington. In the mean while a matter of the first importance is to erect proper defenses at Hilton Head as well as to strengthen the land side of the fort, to the end of securing this important point with the least number of men. This is being done, and a plan of the same will be furnished as soon as it can be prepared.
In conducting operations here two modes suggest themselves:
First, to hold Hilton Head and Philip’s Island with a strong force, and proceed with a sufficient force, in connection with the naval fleet under Commodore DuPont, and open another important harbor. This would be carrying out the original and actual object of the expedition, as I understand it, and for which object only our means have been provided.
Second, to occupy the points first mentioned as well as Beaufort as a base of operations, and act thence on a line of operations embracing Port Royal Island and the road to Pocotaligo, the nearest point of the Savannah and Charleston Railroad, into the southern counties of the State, threatening Savannah, &c., or to operate from the base of Hilton Head through the interior creeks and channels leading into the Savannah River below Savannah and near Fort Jackson, thus laying siege to Savannah and cutting off Fort Pulaski.
For these last operations the former would require more land transportation than we are provided with, and the latter would require an outfit of boats, that we are also insufficiently provided with. The former would also require a small cavalry force. The only course, therefore, at present is, notwithstanding the apparent opening for more brilliant operations, the first and original plan.
The surrounding country evacuated by the whites, as described in my last, has upon it an abundance of valuable property, including ungathered crops and cotton mostly gathered. I have directed all the means of transportation, such as boats, scows, wagons, &c., to be collected for the use of the Army; but in regard to other private property, such as can be made of no injury to us in the operations of the enemy, I have directed not to be interfered with. This, however, is a difficult matter, and there exists too great a propensity to rob and pillage the houses and plantations left in charge only of the blacks. I hope to receive instructions on this point; that is, in a country entirely deserted by its white inhabitants, all of whom are known to be disloyal, how far I am to authorize the appropriation of private property.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
{p.189}–––
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 29.}
HDQRS. EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 15, 1861.
...
III. The fort on Hilton Head will be known as Fort Welles, and the one on Bay Point, heretofore called Fort Beauregard, will be known as Fort Seward.
...
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 17, 1861.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that the position of the forces here necessitates the most active operations during the coming winter, the climate and localities of these islands rendering it impracticable to carry on operations upon them after April next. We have now possession of the valuable harbors of Port Royal and Saint Helena. One more will probably be in our possession in a short time. A fort should be constructed on Hunting Island, to secure that important roadstead of Saint Helena. After well securing these important points, and establishing a firm base from which to operate inland, there will not be left a very large force disposable for internal operations. I would therefore recommend that an additional force of 10,000 men be sent to this point as early as practicable, and among them some regular troops, including some companies of artillery, for garrisoning the forts; the volunteer force not being adapted to the artillery service.
We shall require three or four steamers, drawing not over 9 feet, and capable of conveying 800 or 1,000, for operations in the rivers and creeks, and a couple of ferry-boats, drawing not over 5 or 6 feet of water, would be of the greatest advantage. We would require also about 100 rowboats, capable of carrying from 40 to 50 men each, with kedges and oars. A few of them should be large enough and so constructed as to transport pieces of artillery with their carriages, including siege guns. I also take the liberty of recommending that the light-ship formerly stationed at the entrance of Port Royal channel be replaced, and that the lighthouse on Hunting Islands, Saint Helena Sound, be relighted. It is my duty also to recommend that some more engineer officers be sent here.
The duties of that corps are too important and too extended to be left to the few we have here. It is also important to have at least three more ordnance sergeants here for the several artillery stations, the two heretofore furnished having been absorbed at Forts Welles and Seward.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General Commanding Expeditionary Corp.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 32.}
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 17, 1861.
The following troops will be put in readiness to embark, as follows:
Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers on the steamer Empire City.
{p.190}Forty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers on the steamer Star of the South.
Forty-eighth Regiment New York Volunteers on the steamer Cahawba.
Eighth Regiment Maine Volunteers on the steamer Ariel.
Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers six companies on the steamer Daniel Webster and four companies on the steamer Marion.
Two companies of the Regiment of Volunteer Engineers on the steamer Oriental.
Three companies of the Third Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers on the steamer Matanzas.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman:
L. H. PELOUZE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 25, 1861.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that we have found stowed away on Ladies Island two lighthouse apparatus, including lamps and reflectors, with a large quantity of oil. I thought it best to turn the same over to Commodore DuPont, as he has better facilities for keeping them safe and secure than we have. He had before one also which he found at Beaufort.
It having been learned by a reconnaissance sent to the neighboring island that the forts on Tybee Island had been deserted by the rebels, I informed Commodore DuPont of the same, whereupon he yesterday started some gunboats down there, and discovered it to be a fact. We have therefore another lighthouse, which should be relighted at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 25, 1861.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: Our scouts have found the fort on Ladies Island covering the Coosaw River which was deserted by the rebels at the time of the capture of this place The scouts spiked the guns, but we shall remove them as soon as practicable to this place. Our scouts have been up into the vicinity of Port Royal Ferry, and discovered that the advanced outpost of the enemy is at that point and that their main body is at Pocotaligo. There is another large force also collecting at Grahamville, nearer to Savannah, and also on the railroad, the advance post of which is at Bluffton, a small village some 10 or 14 miles from here. The object of these forces is undoubtedly to protect the railroad and cover the interior of the State against our invasion in that direction, which, from all the information I can gather, they are daily expecting.
I have already briefly referred to our facilities, or rather want of facilities, {p.191} for such an operation, and the propriety of confining ourselves with our present means to establishing a firm and secure base on the coast, and thus be prepared for any ulterior movements inland that the service may demand.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition.
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OFFICE CHIEF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEER E. C., Hilton Head, S. C., November 25, 1861.
Capt. LOUIS H. PELOUZE, Fifteenth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: In accordance with instructions from General Sherman, I have examined the ferries from this island to the main-land, situated at Ferry Point and Spanish Wells, and have to report as follows:
The distance from Ferry Point to the large white house opposite is 2,714 yards, or 1.54 miles. The landing on this side is tolerably good, the slope of the beach being sufficiently abrupt to allow small boats to land, and vessels of 15 feet draught to come within 50 yards of the shore; but from the intermixture of sand and mud it is hardly firm enough for anything but infantry to march upon. The shape of the point and the approaches to it are such that a small body of men could easily prevent the landing of a hostile force. A flat or marsh 600 yards wide, at the large white house, extends entirely around the south point of the main-land between May River and the small creek on the east side of the ferry, thus rendering the debarkation of troops in numbers on the main impracticable. At high tide small boats can be run over the flat in front of the house and infantry landed, but at low tide the only means of approaching the shore is by a small slough running nearly east through the flat. In this way one or two boats at a time can be pushed to within 200 yards of the house, but the men can only reach the solid ground by bogging through the mud. The negroes living on the adjacent plantations inform me that this ferry is only used at high tide, and at such times men, horses, and carriages can be crossed in light-draught scows. Spanish Wells is situated opposite the mouth of May River. It has a good landing, on a tolerably firm sand beach, and deep water at 50 yards from shore. The first landing on the main is up May River, distant about 5 miles, at a point in front of the farm-houses of Mrs. Calk. At this place boats of considerable draught can lie alongside the shore, and land men by putting out the ordinary stage-planks. The channel all the way is deep enough for boats drawing 15 feet. This place is in every way suitable for a steam ferry. Its communications with Hilton Head are by the usual roads of the island.
The rebel picket of six or eight horsemen did not attempt to resist our landing at Buckingham Ferry, but fled upon our approach. Shortly afterwards the cotton-house on an adjoining plantation, said to belong to a Mr. Baynard, was observed to be on fire, and later in the evening one owned by Mrs. Calk was also set on fire and burned. The pickets on the main-land; stationed at the places of exit, seemed to be intended to keep the negroes from running off rather than to prevent our approach.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. WILSON, First Lieut., Top. Bug., Chief Top. Eng. Exp’y Corps.
{p.192}–––
HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, Washington, November 27, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, U. S. A., Port Royal, S. C.:
SIR: Your letters of the 11th,* 15th, and 17th instant have been received. Four additional regiments have been ordered to join your command. The General-in-Chief desires you, through your quartermaster, to seize all cotton and other property which may be used to our prejudice. The cotton and such other articles as may not be required for the use of your command will be shipped by return transports to the quartermaster in New York, there to be sold on public account. The services of negroes will be used in picking, collecting, and packing cotton, as well as in constructing defensive works, &c. Private property of individuals should not be interfered with, unless it be of military utility under the circumstances you mention, and you will be justified in taking measures to prevent pillage or any outrage so far as the exigencies of the service will permit, no matter what relations the persons or property may bear to the United States Government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.
* See capture of Fort Walker, &c., p. 5.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., November 27, 1861.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: For the want of an engineer officer (one being sick, one engaged on a reconnaissance on Saint Helena Sound, and the remaining one necessarily employed here) I went down to Tybee Island last evening, and this morning made a sufficient reconnaissance of that island as to ascertain its general topography and the range of the enemy’s guns on Fort Pulaski. I find it not impossible to reduce Pulaski from this island, though it will be a work of time. Mortar and breaching batteries may be constructed so as not to be very seriously annoyed by their guns. I find that their casemate guns will hardly range to the island, while their barbette guns will explode shells upon the island with certainty and considerable accuracy. A further reconnaissance will be made as soon as an engineer officer can be spared.
Not hearing from the Department to-day as to our future operations, (as the Bienville has just returned), I shall have to act from my own judgment alone, or be the cause of a delay in operations that will militate seriously to our disadvantage on account of the rapidity of time that must be made use of to avoid being caught by earliness of spring. In order, therefore, to meet the wants of the operations of this portion of the Army, I have to request that as much cavalry, not exceeding a regiment, ten regiments of infantry, and one regiment of regular artillery be sent here as soon as practicable. The steamboats, ferry-boats and small boats required were mentioned in my letters of the 17th and 21st. It would be of the greatest advantage in having a small force of regular infantry to leaven the mass of raw volunteers of which this command is composed.
I have also to call the attention of the Department to the proportions {p.193} we are developing in these operations. Our coast is becoming more and more extended. The operations of the engineer, ordnance, and artillery departments are of the greatest importance. We have not officers enough to manage them, particularly with raw troops, where every man must be instructed to avail anything. I recommend that three more engineer officers, two ordnance officers, and several artillery officers be sent here at once. The want of direction among our raw hands, a direction which the few officers here cannot sufficiently give, is a serious cause of delay in everything we undertake to do. I also ask that an officer of the Quartermaster’s Department, of rank and great experience, be sent to control the operations of that department here. A good pontoon bridge would also be desirable here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Port Royal, S. C., December 4, 1861.
General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: Since my letter of the 27th ultimo Tybee, Island has been thoroughly examined, and I inclose herewith a copy of the report of the engineer, Captain Gillmore, whose opinion is in accordance with my own as to the feasibility of shelling Fort Pulaski, and, if not demolishing it, of rendering it untenable. I am about occupying that island with a regiment, and as soon as practicable shall mount some seacoast guns in the work near the lighthouse, so as to secure the channel entering the river in the absence of naval vessels.
The reduction of Fort Pulaski will require an armament from the North, and I inclose herewith the amount of ordnance we shall require, which I beg may be forwarded to Tybee Island at the earliest practicable moment, in charge of an active and experienced ordnance officer, if a suitable artillery officer cannot be obtained; for I repeat from former communications that, this command being composed of raw volunteers and a dearth of experienced and instructed officers, an impossibility now exists of obtaining proper hands to direct.
The shelling of Pulaski may have an important effect in favor of some other movement that it might be possible to carry on at the same time.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding,
[Inclosure.]
HEADQUARTERS CHIEF ENGINEER OFFICER E. C., Hilton Head, S. C., December 1, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.:
SIR: Agreeably to your orders I proceeded in the steamer Ben DeFord, on the afternoon of the 29th ultimo, to Tybee Island, to make a military examination of that locality. We arrived at the Tybee light-house about 7 p.m., when I called upon the senior naval officer present, and made arrangements with him for disembarking my escort (three companies of the Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, under Major Drew) at {p.194} 7 o’clock on the following morning. There was some delay in landing, so that I was not ready to commence the work of the day before 9 a.m.
I first endeavored to determine the prominent topographical features of the island, and found that at high water it is nearly divided into two parts by a marsh, or rather two marshes, which make up from the inlet or creek which bounds the island on the southwest. This marsh, or a great part of it, is slightly submerged at high tide, and is difficult to pass even at low water. Men might pick their way across it, but troops could not maneuver on it. To pass from the northwest point of the island, opposite Fort Pulaski, to the southeast part, at the mouth of the inlet, I found it necessary to come back within 300 yards of the lighthouse.
On the west end of Tybee Island, opposite Fort Pulaski, a parapet for infantry 100 yards long has been thrown across the neck of land to prevent troops from approaching from the direction of the light house. West of this troops have been encamped in bush tents. In a southwesterly direction on the other side of the creek the land appears to be low and marshy, except a small area in a southerly direction from the earthwork, occupied by a house. Returning to the old tower near the lighthouse, I took its principal dimensions and those of the unfinished earthwork which surrounds it. The tower is built of shell concrete; its walls are 10 feet thick, and it is three stories in height. The first story is 9 feet high, with but one opening (4 feet wide) to the exterior. In it is a good magazine 6 by 7 feet and 7 feet high, with brick walls 3 1/3 feet thick. The second story is about 9 feet high, and has one communication with the exterior. It is on the west side. The third story is pierced with twelve loop-holes, at equal distances apart, 1 by 1 foot at the throat and 2 by 2 feet on the exterior. Four fire-places exist on this story. Above the floor covering the third story the wall is carried up flush with the inside, so as to form a breast-height 4 feet thick and 4 1/2 feet high.
The tower is surrounded by an unfinished field work, which could with little labor be made a strong position, that would control the principal entrance to Savannah River, and thus render efficient services to the blockade in case the fleet should be driven off by stress of weather. One or two siege guns could be mounted on the tower.
I give a rough sketch of the tower and its surroundings.
I proceeded to the southern point of the island along the main shore and thence up the inlet on the southwest, in order to get a near view, if possible, of the battery which controls Warsaw Inlet. My guide (Mr. Ferguson, of the steamer Flag) is of opinion that this battery contains four guns and is located on the second Tybee Island, as it had been firing seaward the day before, when he was on the south point of North Tybee, and had a very good opportunity to judge. A large derrick, plainly visible, with all its rigging, had been erected since he last saw it. I am unable to say whether he is correct or not, and three naval officers with whom I conversed could furnish me with no positive information on the subject. Its thorough examination can only be made by using boats, either directly from the sea or by passing over to the second Tybee Island. To do this would have detained me from Hilton Head all of to-day and a portion of (perhaps all of) to-morrow, as the pilot of the Ben DeFord requires daylight to navigate his ship in. My hurried departure on Friday left my duties here in a condition that would not warrant so lengthy an absence. I therefore thought it proper to report to you for further orders.
The exact position of the battery controlling Warsaw Inlet has, however, no bearing on the prominent points to which my attention was {p.195} directed in your verbal instructions, viz, the propriety of occupying and holding the first Tybee Island, and the practicability (and, if deemed practicable, the best method) of reducing Fort Pulaski. I deem the reduction of that work practicable by batteries of mortars and rifled guns established on Tybee Island. I think it probable that a nearer position on firm ground (though very shallow, and therefore ill-adapted to mortar and sunken batteries) can be found on the island west of Tybee. I would establish these batteries from 20 to 25 yards apart, one gun or one mortar in each, behind the ridge of sand on the shore, westward from the light-house. I would sink the mortar batteries as low as the water would permit, and the guns sufficiently low to leave a high parapet in front. On the sides and rear of each I would have a high mound of earth, and I should cover each with a horizontal bombproof shelter of logs, covered with earth, and supported by logs planted vertically in the ground. The embrasures for the guns should be deep, narrow, and of very little splay. I estimate that after once obtaining the range five-eighths of the shells from mortars can be lodged inside of the fort. I would have enough mortars to throw one shell a minute into the fort, and as many guns as mortars. The batteries should operate day and night. For landing the ordnance required for these operations I would have built two or three broad flat-bottomed bateaux or scows, such as are commonly used on rope ferries. I think these could be built here.
There are now probably at Fort Pulaski 700 good troops. About 200 landed yesterday, and the Navy officers informed me that at least 500 have entered the fort within the last three days, while some (probably raw recruits or portions of the Home Guard) have gone away. It may be their design to land on Tybee and hold the west end of it, to prevent the erection of batteries against the fort. I therefore recommend the immediate occupation of Tybee Island by one good regiment until the question of attempting the reduction of Fort Pulaski be determined.
I learned while at Tybee that offers have been made by negroes to burn two of the principal bridges on the railroad between Charleston and Savannah. One of these bridges is said to be nearly two miles long. In a military point of view its destruction would be of great value to us, and I recommend the subject to your attention.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Q. A. GILLMORE, Captain, and Chief Engineer Expeditionary Corps.
[Indorsement.]
Approved, and I fully concur in the plan of Captain Gillmore for reducing Fort Pulaski, except possibly the use of rifled guns, until their effect has been more fully tested. All that can be done with guns is to shake the walls as far as practicable in a random manner. As the nearest distance at which batteries can be constructed is 1 1/2 miles from Pulaski, if rifled guns are found to be non-effective at that distance, which is certain if it is discovered that the shot will not strike point foremost, then I think that a few 10-inch columbiads may be used in addition to the mortars, for they may be employed with solid shot for direct fire against the walls or as mortars for the interior.
It is impracticable to establish batteries nearer Pulaski than above stated, whether on Tybee or the island west of it. A few days before this reconnaissance I drew the fire of the fort, and ascertained that their casemate guns came a little short of the shore at the position of the fort {p.196} constructed on the narrow neck which Captain Gillmore describes, but that their barbette guns effectually shell the shore. Now, as you proceed west, you are constantly shortening the line between the island and Pulaski. In a word, though guns will be of much importance to assist in the work, yet if the place is to be reduced, it is to be done with mortars of the heaviest caliber, and if it should even turn out that the bomb-proofs cannot be ruptured, the place can be made untenable.
Respectfully submitted.
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
DECEMBER 4, 1861.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Hilton Head, S. C., December 6, 1861.
Col. RUDOLPH ROSA, Commanding Forty-sixth New York Volunteers:
COLONEL: The commanding general directs that you take post with your regiment on North Tybee Island with as little delay as practicable, and at once take up a defensive position, so as to hold the entire island. Your men will occupy as quarters the buildings near the light-house, and you will establish a camp on the clear ground near the light-house, always keeping out pickets at the salient points of the island. Your attention is particularly called to the narrow neck of land west of the light-house, as a point which should always be guarded. The work thrown up by the enemy at this point should be torn down to the ground as soon as possible, and, to avoid the effects of the fire from Fort Pulaski, this should be done in the night. You must take every precaution against being surprised, and in the mean time take particular care that the works thrown up about the light-house are not injured or defaced in any way, as guns are to be mounted in them as soon as they can be got there. You will take particular care of your supplies, and see that they are not in any way wasted or destroyed. You will see that vessels sent there are unloaded as soon as possible and sent back to this place. You will keep these headquarters informed of all passing events.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. H. PELOUZE, Captain, Fifteenth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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CAMP NINTH MAINE REGIMENT, December 6, 1861.
Capt. LOUIS H. PELOUZE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Sherman’s Command:
As directed, on Thursday, October [November] 28, with three companies from this regiment, I relieved Captain Ely at Graham’s plantation, and posted pickets at points most advantageous for observation and defense. There had been none previously posted on Baynard’s plantation, on the point at Spanish Wells, on account of its distance from the reserve; but I judged it expedient to station a small force there, with a horse, in order to bring me word if anything important should occur.
The picket at that point reports that on Sunday night, December 1, at about 2 o’clock, a boat filled with armed men, apparently, came from the direction of Hunting Island, with the seeming intention of entering {p.197} Broad Creek. On hailing and receiving no reply they fired upon the boat, when considerable confusion ensued, the boat turning and rowing rapidly back.
On Saturday I made a reconnaissance of Pinckney Island and vicinity. From Muddy Point, the western extremity of the island, I saw the rebel picket at Topping Landing, on the main scarcely a rifle-shot distance. From negroes who came over that day I found that they have mounted pickets at Fort Point, 3 miles above Topping Landing, at the junction of Mackay’s Creek and Broad River; also at Hog Bluff, 1 mile below Topping Landing; at Buckingham, or Ferry Landing, and on Hunting Island, so called-in reality a peninsula, extending into Skull Creek in a northeasterly direction from Bluffton.
On Monday I reconnoitered Bull’s Island. There is a large quantity of corn and cotton there, about 200 head of cattle, and 100 sheep; also a small steam-engine, in good repair, of about 8-inch cylinder and 18-inch stroke. I learned that the rebels constantly come over in the night, in small parties, and carry off the stock. Negroes are constantly coming from the main, and report the rebel force in and about Bluffton to be 400, two companies of which are infantry, composed mostly of boys and old men; the remainder mounted.
On Tuesday night John and Rollin Kirk, brothers, and a Mr. Pinckney, landed on Pinckney Island, for the purpose of taking off the stores; but the negroes getting off in boats and raising an alarm, they left the island without accomplishing their object.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SABINE EMERY, Major, Commanding Detachment.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT ROYAL, Beaufort, S. C., December 8, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.:
GENERAL: At 8.30 o’clock I moved forward towards the ferry with Hamilton’s section, under Lieutenant Ransom, and 600 infantry. Captain Burket is now proceeding cautiously, with 100 men, in the same direction, and is about 4 miles from this point. My information is that the enemy are on the island, with 140 cavalry and 100 infantry. It is reported that Captain Barmode was wounded in the arm in the affair of pickets night before last.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT ROYAL, Beaufort, S. C., December 8, 1861.
Lieut. Col. BRENHOLTS, Commanding Detachment, Port Royal Ferry:
SIR: In command of the three companies of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Regiment which have been assigned to you, you will move at 5 o’clock to-morrow morning, proceed to Port Royal Ferry, and relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong, now stationed there. Tents will not be required, as {p.198} there are buildings sufficient for the accommodation of your command. You will observe closely the ferry, the adjacent main, and the shores of Port Royal Island on either hand. You will send small parties, each tinder the charge of an officer, to the neighboring plantations, to ascertain the amount of transportation, forage, and provisions they will supply to this command, and will take the necessary measures to save them for its use. It is said the navigation of the river separating the island from the main has been obstructed, both above and below the ferry, by piles driven across. Ascertain the facts and stop further proceedings of the kind. You will take every precaution to guard against surprise; will endeavor to send in daily reports, noting carefully everything you learn in regard to the several points to which your attention has been called.
Truly and respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT ROYAL, Beaufort, S. C., December 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN:
GENERAL: I have received information that since my visit to Port Royal Ferry yesterday the Confederates have commenced the erection of a battery on the main near by, and at a distance of about 1,000 yards from the firm land on the island. I shall at daylight to-morrow morning have the two guns of Hamilton’s battery in position, and I shall open fire upon the Confederates. In the event they persist in the construction of the battery I will most urgently ask that a gunboat be sent to the same general vicinity, to co-operate with the land force. It is the manifest purpose of the Confederates to close the passage. Shall a movement be made with the re-enforcement, or perhaps with troops which they can replace, to seize the railroad crossing on Broad River and silence it by works? This would involve crossing the Port Royal Ferry and occupying the main. I will, at all events, stop further proceedings in the defense of the passage between Port Royal and the main, and await your further instructions.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Port Royal, S. C., December 10, 1861.
General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that Otter Island has been occupied by six companies, with an armament sufficient for the protection of Saint Helena Sound and our right flank from any incursions of the enemy by the way of the Ashepoo River and South Edisto from the direction of Charleston.
I have also to report that Tybee Island is now in the occupancy of one regiment, and that an armament is being prepared sufficient to cover the channel leading into Savannah River. This armament, however, {p.199} is independent of that required for the reduction of Fort Pulaski. I have also to report that I have occupied Port Royal Island with General Stevens’ brigade. I very much regret the necessity of this measure, as, although fully convinced of its untenability by the enemy, he has commenced against us a system of blockade by constructing piles and stockades across the Coosaw River, washing the northern and western sides of the island, and thus intercepting the navigation around the island. General Stevens has driven off his pickets, and now holds both sides of Port Royal Ferry. This island can be held by a small force, and I hope to be able to make use of part of that brigade for other movements. At the same time I repeat my former recommendation for more troops here and some cavalry.
The enemy’s line can be considered strategically as occupying the country from Ossabaw Sound through Savannah and the important places on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, viz, Hardeeville, Grahamville, Coosawhatchie, Pocotaligo, and so on to the left. Some point on this line should be struck soon, but nothing but the development of circumstances and the quantity and kind of means in hand will fully solve the important question.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
P. S.-Three regiments of Pennsylvanians have arrived-one of them without arms.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT ROYAL, Beaufort, S. C., December 10, 1801.
Brigadier-General SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps:
GENERAL: Lieutenant Ransom and the section of Hamilton’s battery under his command moved at 3 o’clock this morning, and I followed with two members of my staff, Acting Aides-de-Camp Lusk and Taylor, of, respectively, the Highlanders and Fiftieth Pennsylvania, a half hour afterwards. We reached the ferry at daylight. I found, however, on careful examination that the Confederates had not commenced the erection of any works since our occupation of the island. After an examination of the country adjoining the ferry, especially of the old ferry at Seabrook, a mile and a half to the westward of the present ferry, I determined to take positive possession of both sides of the existing ferry, especially as an effort had been made during my absence at Seabrook to fire the ferry building on the island side. Lieutenant Ransom, bringing, under my direction, his battery into position at Stuart’s place, fired four shots and dispersed the enemy’s pickets, and Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholts, commanding the detachment at the ferry, advanced immediately a picket of 12 men to the ferry, and took possession of both banks, with some four boats. These have since been secured. A small block-house commanding the ferry on the main was destroyed. I left the battery at the ferry, with instructions to return to-morrow, unless, after conference with Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholts, Lieutenant Ransom should be satisfied from the unexpected developments of circumstances he ought to remain at the ferry. In this event he was promptly to advise me by messenger.
I have had the points carefully examined where it was alleged stockades were being built to close the channel. East of the ferry the attempt {p.200} was actually made, but nothing was accomplished. I have with the assistance of my aides and scouting parties, examined nearly all portions of the island to-day. The conduct of the troops is exemplary, and there will be considerable additions made to our stock of quartermaster’s stores.
I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, most obediently,
ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier-General Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS U. S. AGENCY, Dr. Jenkins’ Plantation, Saint Helena Island, December 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. ISAAC I. STEVENS, Commanding Second Brigade Expeditionary Corps:
SIR: I send you herewith copies of the letters of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman and Chief Quartermaster Expeditionary Corps R. Saxton, captain, U. S. Army, appointing me agent for the United States Government “to take possession of all the cotton, commissary and quartermasters’ stores, and all public property that I may find in any part of the State of South Carolina deserted by the inhabitants”; also a copy of my letter appointing James A. Suydam my assistant, with full authority with myself. I have taken possession of all the property on Saint Helena, Ladies, and Cat Islands, and have directed Lieutenant Hamilton, of the Fifth Company, and Lieutenant Graham, of the Eighth Company, Seventy-ninth Regiment New York State Militia, to collect and deliver to me all the property on those islands. Mr. Suydam will establish his headquarters at Beaufort, for the purpose of taking possession of all the property, as directed in my instructions.
Respectfully, yours, &c.,
WM. H. NOBLES, United States Agent.
[Inclosures.]
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Port Royal, S. C., December 3, 1861.
WILLIAM H. NOBLES, Esq.:
SIR: The inhabitants of the deserted islands having been warned of the destruction of their property by the negroes and invited to return and take charge of their plantations, with a promise of ample protection to all loyal citizens, and such invitation and promise of protection having been set at naught by their refusal to return and by several instances of ordering their cotton to be burned, I deem it proper to take steps for the preservation of as much of this article as practicable, in order that such disposition may be made of it as the Government may direct. You are therefore appointed an agent of the United States Government to collect and put into store, at the most convenient points occupied by the United States troops, such quantities of cotton as you may find in any part of the State of South Carolina deserted by the inhabitants. A correct and explanatory statement will be made by you weekly to the headquarters, showing the amount of cotton stored, its quality, whether baled or unbaled, from whose plantation obtained, and all other information which in your judgment may be necessary to convey a correct idea of its value and the fixing of its ownership, so that the Government will not be at a loss to dispose of the questions {p.201} of its disposition or of remuneration to its owners if such questions should arise.
You will employ negroes in picking, collecting, and packing the cotton, who on your vouchers, properly made out and certified to, will be paid by the Quartermaster’s Department. Your services will be compensated by allowing you 6 per cent, on the market value of the cotton stored as above.
Very respectfully, &c.,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER EXPED’Y CORPS, Port Welles, S. C., December 6, 1861.
I hereby appoint James Adrian Suydam my assistant in the execution of the above orders from Brigadier-General Sherman and Captain Saxton and of all future orders from their departments to me as agent for the United States Government, his orders and directions to be obeyed as mine, and his acts as agent to be recognized by me.
WM. H. NOBLES, United States Agent.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT ROYAL, Beaufort, S. C., December 10, 1861.
WILLIAM H. NOBLES, Esq., Collector of Cotton:
SIR: I have received your letter and inclosures of this date, claiming that you are authorized to take possession of the cotton in the deserted portions of South Carolina, and also of all other public property. The instructions of Brigadier-General Sherman clearly give you authority to collect, gin, and pack cotton. I am not advised of the extent of your authority in regard to quartermaster and commissary stores. The letter of instructions of Captain Saxton does not give the information. I have, however, to inform you that I have taken military possession of Ladies Island, and shall proceed to collect and take charge of such quartermaster and commissary stores as my parties may take possession of-not interfering, however, with your operations in collecting cotton on that island or the quartermaster or commissary stores you have already collected.
I shall not permit you to establish an agency at Beaufort, or to interfere in any way with the steps already taken by the commanding general to collect the cotton and the quartermaster and commissary stores on Port Royal Island and its dependencies.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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PORT ROYAL, S. C., December 10, 1861.
General MEIGS, Washington, D. C.:
DEAR GENERAL: After the representations of the medical director and my own observations as to the great number of deaths here and the continued sickness among the troops, I gave the quartermaster directions to put up a temporary hospital to accommodate 300 men. This {p.202} is not a healthy climate; not near as healthy as the Potomac. The actual temperature has but little to do with it; it is the deadly malaria that arises from the swamps and the very sudden changes from hot to frosty cold. The mortality here is alarming, considering the season of the year. I have not directed any temporary barracks, and of course they will not be constructed without directions from Washington. The hospital will not cost much. It is to be single story and very temporary.
Beaufort will answer for the sick we may have there, but it will be absolutely necessary to have one here, especially in the summer, and this point must be occupied, for the whole safety of the harbor depends on it and Bay Point. The thing was so absolutely necessary, that I gave Captain Saxton his directions, I presume, before he wrote to you on the subject. It will cost but little more than an ordinary store-house of the same dimensions.
Our labor here is enormous. Thus far the negroes have rendered us but little assistance. Many come in and run off. They have not yet been organized to an extent we desire. The large families they bring with them make a great many useless mouths. Before long-after they have consumed all they have on the plantations-they will come in in greater numbers, and no doubt will give us many laborers; but where we get one good, able-bodied man, we have five to six women and children. They are a most prolific race.
In fitting out this expedition an opportunity for marching rapidly into the interior was not anticipated. The object was to seize on two important points of the coast and hold them for the protection of our blockading squadron. Therefore no more transportation was taken along than sufficient for the purposes of woody water, and drayage of quartermaster and commissary stores, and only boats enough to assist in landing. Indeed, the number and description of boats I had nothing to do with; that was left to Captain DuPont. I have always regretted this, as we would have been far better off had we relied entirely on ourselves and not had to trust to the Navy. I am at times perfectly helpless without the Navy, and had I not depended on them, I have not a doubt but we would have been able to land at the time of the fight, and, if not assisted in reducing the work, at least have taken the whole garrison prisoners.
Captain DuPont always insisted that he would be able to and would put us ashore, but two things prevented: First, the loss of all his ferryboats; and, second, his failure to supply me, according to promise, with oarsmen from his ships. I repeatedly asked him, when in New York, if there would be any uncertainty in his fulfilling that promise, and if there were the least I desired to know it then, in order to take measures to provide for it in time. He repeatedly assured me there was none, and that he would see that I was landed. So you see that I have been completely at his mercy. I never wish again, general, to co-operate. It is a thankless task.
As it turned out, I was compelled to agree not to attempt a landing. Had I known how things were to turn out, I should have made quite different arrangements in many things, and, among them, should have come down here equipped perfectly, independent of the Navy.
We have now a wide field before us, but we want boats, cavalry, and more force. The enemy’s line extends from the Ossabaw Inlet through Savannah and upon the railroad beyond Pocotaligo, and we have to choose on which point of that extended and well-garrisoned line to make a main attack, which point must depend on the amount and description of means at our disposal.
{p.203}We have not yet gone down to F-. The Navy had to send for more ammunition, and we have been constantly employed on our depot and base. Events multiply, and it is impossible to say exactly what we shall do or how we shall do it. Had I the means, I would have been on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad long ere this. Movements on water, through winding and shallow creeks, with men unaccustomed to boats, is slow, tedious, and ticklish, and I have got to see my way pretty clear now before attempting it.
It is hoped that a plenty of boats will be soon sent here.
Very truly, yours,
T. W. SHERMAN.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Port Royal, S. C., December 14, 1861.
General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following to the consideration of the General-in-Chief and to the War Department:
The object of this expedition was to seize upon at least two important points of our Southern coast, and hold the same for the protection of our blockading squadron when compelled to seek a harbor, as well as to create something of a diversion in favor of our armies in the field. After the taking of Port Royal it was intended to proceed to Fernandina and get possession of that harbor, but in consequence of circumstances unnecessary here to particularly relate that part of the expedition has not yet been accomplished, and, although I have been for some time prepared for it, a still further delay arises from the fact that the gunboats of the Navy have first to be occupied in the work of disposing of the stone fleet just arrived from the North; but our operations resulting from the capture of Port Royal have become so developed as to lead to the occupation of Saint Helena Sound, the Tybee, and, in short, to the full possession of the coast from South Edisto to Tybee, and to which may be added Warsaw and Ossabaw Sounds, which, if not yet occupied by us, have been deserted by the enemy.
In the mean time there is a formidable strategic line formed and forming in our front, its right resting on Green Island, in Vernon River, passing by Thunderbolt, or Augustine Creek, at both of which places there are earthworks mounted with heavy guns, through Fort Jackson, Savannah, and thence along the line of the Savannah and Charleston Railroad indefinitely towards Charleston, this line having its principal bodies of troops between Vernon River and Savannah, at Savannah, Hardeeville, Grahamville, Coosawhatchie, Pocotaligo, Saltketcher, &c., and its most advanced posts at Pulaski, New River Bridge, Bluffton, Port Royal Ferry &c. The object of this line appears to be to resist an invasion of the main-land, and not to attack the occupied coast, which, from all that can be learned, the enemy have concluded they cannot maintain, and given up all idea of doing so. It may be hence inferred that the main object of the expedition has been already accomplished, and that the point of Fernandina is now of so secondary a character as to render it not only almost insignificant, but the operation of taking it actually prejudicial to the gnat work which the development of circumstances appears to have set before us.
I am aware of the good effect that the capture of this place would {p.204} have on the public mind, but the military is the only point of view that should be taken of it. It is no point from which to operate, and will probably fall of itself the moment Savannah is occupied by our forces, and therefore the resources of the Navy and Army here should be husbanded for a more important operation, viz, the attack of the enemy’s line the moment preparations can be made.
The precise point of the hostile line to be struck and mode of attack cannot now be specifically set out without first knowing the means to be placed in our hands, and must therefore be left to time and circumstances; but in my judgment, with the necessary means, Savannah should be the point, and to be accomplished somewhat in this way: Pulaski to be vigorously shelled, as already recommended in a former communication; at the same time the gunboats of the naval squadron to shell out the garrisons of the forts on Vernon and Augustine Rivers, to be closely followed up by the landing of the land forces in the vicinity of Montgomery and Beaulieu, thus taking Augustine River, Fort Jackson, and Savannah in reverse; this operation to be connected at the same time with one from this point on Bluffton, New River Bridge, and Hardeeville, to get effectual possession of the railroad crossing the Savannah River, and prevent re-enforcements arriving at Savannah from the center and left of their line. A small head of column shown at Port Royal Ferry would have its effect in aiding this demonstration. I am firmly convinced that an operation of this sort would not only give us Savannah, but, if successful and strong enough to follow up the success, would shake the so-called Southern Confederacy to its very foundation.
Not knowing precisely what forces the enemy may have available, it is difficult to estimate for the men and means necessary to the success of this operation. But I must modify the terms of my letter of the 27th November, which did not look to this precise operation, and recommend that the one “regiment of cavalry, one regiment of regular artillery, ten regiments of infantry, and one pontoon bridge” be extended to “one regiment of cavalry, one regiment of regular artillery, and twenty regiments of infantry, and as many pontoon bridges as can be sent here.” An addition to our armament will also be required to enable us to carry on a siege, if necessary, for which the ordnance officer will make requisition. I do not say but the thing can be done with less troops, but it would be better to have too many than too few, particularly as any success should be followed up rapidly and with sufficient force. I must, at the risk of being considered importunate, again repeat the necessity of having some more experienced staff officers, particularly a quartermaster of rank and great experience, artillery officers, and, if they cannot be had, ordnance officers.
All our work, which is immense, is done by volunteer soldiers, and it all drags for the want of a sufficient number of able directors. The negro labor expected to be obtained here is so far almost a failure. They are disinclined to labor, and will evidently not work to our satisfaction without those aids to which they have ever been accustomed, viz, the driver and the lash. A sudden change of condition from servitude to apparent freedom is more than their intellects can stand, and this circumstance alone renders it a very serious question what is to be done with the negroes who will hereafter be found on conquered soil.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Port Royal, S. C., December 15, 1861.
General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: For the information of the proper authorities, and for fear lest the Government may be disappointed in the amount of labor to be gathered here from the contrabands, I have the honor to report that from the hordes of negroes left on the plantations but about 320 have thus far come in and offered their services. Of these the quartermaster has but about 60 able-bodied male hands, the rest being decrepit, and women and children. Several of the 320 have run off. Every inducement has been held out to them to come in and labor for wages, and money distributed among those who have labored. The reasons for this apparent failure thus far appear to be these:
1st. They are naturally slothful and indolent, and have always been accustomed to the lash; an aid we do not make use of.
2d. They appear to be so overjoyed with the change of their condition that their minds are unsettled to any plan.
3d. Their present ease and comfort on the plantations, as long as their provisions will last, will induce most of them to remain there until compelled to seek our lines for subsistence.
Although comparatively few have thus far come in, it is therefore probable that in time many will, and if they are to be received and taken care oft, some provision should be made to cover them. They are a prolific race, and it will be found that for every able-bodied male there will be five to six females, children, and decrepit. It is really a question for the Government to decide what is to be done with the contrabands.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
P. S.-Besides those who have come in there are many still on the plantations employed in gathering cotton.
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HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, EXPED’Y CORPS, Beaufort, S. C., December 16, 1861.
Captain Louis H. PELOUZE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. E. C., Port Royal, S. C.:
SIR: I inclose, for the information of the brigadier-general commanding, reports received from Col. B. C. Christ last evening and early this morning, in regard to affairs at Port Royal Ferry, and also a report from Mr. Rockwell,* received early this morning.
From these reports it will appear that the channel of the river is not obstructed sufficiently to prevent the passage of the lighter-draught gunboats, and that the enemy has no guns in position. I have endeavored to make all portions of the command vigilant and attentive, especially at the ferry, and am having nightly careful inspections of the picke