‘
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Admiral Dahlgren, hearing of it, and anxiously desiring its success, ordered his pickets to cover the assaulting party. * * * The thoughtful care of the Admiral for the army column on this occasion shines, by contrast, with the failure of Gillmore to support the navy column on September 6th.’1
We copy the following extract from
Colonel Elliott's journal, dated November 20th, 1863:
* * * At three o'clock a detachment of the enemy's barges, variously estimated at from four to nine in number, approached within three hundred yards of the fort, and opened fire with musketry.
Most of the troops got into position very rapidly, but, in spite of all instructions, commenced a random fire: into the air on the part of many, at the distant boats on the part of others.
The troops stationed in the centre bomb-proof for the most part refused to ascend the parapet, though encouraged by the example of Lieutenant Mironell and a few other brave men.
I have sent a despatch to General Taliaferro, asking him to relieve two lieutenants who did not behave well.
I have not evidence enough to convict them, but do not want them here longer.
I have taken measures which, I trust, may insure better conduct in the future.
No rockets were sent up, because positive attacks were not made.
The ricochet practice from Sullivan's Island was very handsome.
The fire from Johnson was very bad, the balls passing directly over the fort.
Private T. Whester, Company D, 1st S. C. Artillery, was wounded slightly in the head yesterday by a brick.
‘I respectfully request that, if practicable, Captain Harleston be retained here until the dark nights have entirely passed by. His removal just at this time will be a great misfortune to me, as I am greatly dependent on his watchfulness and ability.’2
The orders and instructions now submitted to the reader will show the untiring vigilance of the
Commanding General, and how extremely careful he was to prepare against every possible emergency.
The first is a circular addressed to
Generals Walker,
Wise,
Robertson, and
Mercer, commanding respectively the Third, Sixth, and Second Military Districts of
South Carolina and the District of Georgia.
It read thus:
