SOME EFFECTS OF THE BOMBARDMENT.
From a photograph.
battles and skirmishes in many parts of the field of war. Anderson, Foster, Seymour, Crawford, Davis, and myself became major-generals of volunteers. Norman J. Hall, who rendered brilliant service at Gettysburg, became a colonel, and would doubtless have risen higher had he not been compelled by ill health to retire. Talbot became an assistant adjutant-general with the rank of captain, but died before the war had fairly begun. He was not with us during the bombardment, as he had been sent as a special messenger to Washington with despatches. Lieutenant Snyder of the engineers, a most promising young officer, also died at the very commencement of hostilities.
Only one of our number left us and joined the Confederacy,—Lieutenant B. K. Meade of the engineers, a Virginian. His death occurred soon after.
Note.— Under an order from Secretary Stanton, the same flag that was lowered April Uth, 1861, was raised again over Sumter, by Major (then General) Anderson, on April ltth, 1866.
INTERIOR OF FORT SUMTER.
The 10-incli columbiad bearing on Charleston. (From a photograph.)
that I will mention. As the fire against us came from all directions, a shot from Sullivan’s Island struck near the lock of the magazine, and bent the copper door, so that all access to the few cartridges we had there was cut off. Just previous to this the officers had beeu engaged, amid a shower of shells, in vigorous efforts to cut away wood-work which was dangerously near the magazine.
After the surrender we were allowed to salute our flag with a hundred guns before marching out, but it was very dangerous and difficult to do so; for, owing to the recent conflagration, there were fire and sparks all around the cannon, and it was not easy to find a safe place of deposit for the cartridges. It happened that some flakes of fire had entered the muzzle of one of the guns after it was sponged. Of course, when the gunner attempted to ram the cartridge down it exploded prematurely, killing Private Daniel Hough instantly, and setting fire to a pile of cartridges underneath, which also exploded, seriously wounding five men. Fifty guns were fired in the salute.
With banners flying, and with drums beating “Yankee Doodle,” we marched on board the transport that was to take ns to the steamship Baltic, which drew too much water to pass the bar and was anchored outside. We were soon on our way to New York.
With the first shot against Sumter the whole North became united. Mobs went about New York and made every doubtful newspaper and private house display the Stars and Stripes. When we reached that city we had a royal reception. The streets were alive with banners.
A CASEMATE GUN DURING THE CONFLAGRATION.
INTERIOR OF SUMTER AFTER THE BOMBARDMENT.
Showing the gate and the gorge wall; also one of the 8-incli columbiads set as mortars, bearing on Morris Island. (From a photograph.)
surely before going to the guns, our food consisting of pork and water.
The first night after the bombardment we expected that the naval vessels outside would take advantage of the darkness to send a fleet of boats with reinforcements of men and supplies of provisions, and as it was altogether probable that the enemy would also improvise a fleet of small boats to meet those of the navy, it became an interesting question, in case parties came to us in this way, to decide whether we were admitting friends or enemies. However, the night passed quietly away without any demonstration.
Captain Chester, in his paper which follows, has omitted a fact
Our men and officers were seized and forced to ride on the shoulders of crowds wild with enthusiasm. When we purchased anything merchants generally refused all compensation. Fort Hamilton, where we were stationed, was besieged with visitors, many of whom were among the most highly distinguished in all walks of life. The Chamber of Commerce of New York voted a bronze medal to each officer and soldier of the garrison.
We were soon called upon to take an active part in the war, and the two Sumter companies were sent under my command to reinforce General Patterson’s column, which was to serve in the Shenandoah Valley. Our march through Pennsylvania was a continuous ovation. Flowers, fruits, and delicacies of all kinds were showered upon us, and the hearts of the people seemed overflowing with gratitude for the very little we had been able to accomplish.
Major Anderson was made a brigadier-general in the regular army, and assigned to command in his native State, Kentucky; but his system had been undermined by his great responsibilities; he was threatened with softening of the brain and was obliged to retire from active service. The other officers were engaged in 12
INTERIOR OF SUMTER AFTER THE SURRENDER.
Showing the 8-incli columbiads planted as mortars, and tile Confederate flag flying from the derrick by which the guns were raised to the upper tier. (From a photograph.)