Historical Sketch of the Chatham Artillery during the Confederate struggle for independence

Front matter

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY DURING ®l« (Sonft&txxte struggle Ux Qn&tiun&me. JJT CHARLES C. JONES, Jr. Late Lieut. Colonel of Artillery, C.8.A. Thus shall memoet, often in dreams sublime, Catch a glimpse of the days that are over : Thus, sighing, look through the waves of time For the long faded glories they cover Moore. Albany, N. Y JOEL MUNSELL. 1867. TO MY BROTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY, THIS HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THE BATTERY DURING THE CONFEDERATE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE, 3s JDebiccUeb WITH SENTIMENTS OF SINCEREST ESTEEM ANT) REGARD.

Preface

. The preparation of the following sketch has heen a labor of love. The attachment which the writer enter tains for his old company — the Chatham Artillery — an organization whose birth was well nigh coeval with the termination of the Revolution of 1776 — whose manhood has been demonstrated for eighty years — whose patriotism has never been questioned — whose liberality and high-toned friendship have been ever warmly acknowledged — whose readiness and ability to respond with alacrity, intelligence, fidelity and efficiency to every duty devolved, whether amid the sunshine of peace, or the shadows of war, have always been freely admitted — whose record is untarnished, and whose every memory is pleasant, generous and heroic — is peculiar in its character, firm and abiding ; and if this brief outline of the services rendered by the Battery during the memorable Confederate struggle for independence be kindly received by my brother members, and serve to perpetuate the lively remembrance of those days of privations, exertion, and

PREFACE.

. VI dangers, cheerfully devoted to the maintenance of a cause, than which none holier ever nerved the arm of a soldier or inspired the breast of a patriot, the object of this narrative will have been entirely accomplished. The loss of Confederate records, and of private journals kept during the recent war, is severely felt in writing a history even as partial as this. Details soon pass from the recollection, and facts which, with all their surroundings, we supposed at the time were graven with the point of a diamond upon the tablets of memory, are, after the lapse of a comparatively short period, often recalled with difficulty and uncer tainty. Although traditions live, and the philosophy of events survives long after the. dramatis personæ sleep in almost forgotten graves, specific facts, treasured up only in the memory, soon become confused, and ere long lose their authenticity.

As so many of the details and statistics of the Confederate war, from the very nature of things, exist only in the personal recollections of the brave actors in that crisis of a nation's fate, and as each circumstance of this eventful epoch is fraught with the deepest interest, it is incumbent upon all who can, while the images of the past are still distinct, to contribute in a substantial form to the records of this heroic period. Sketches and narratives — trivial in themselves considered — possess intrinsic importance, and form golden threads

PREFACE.

. VII from which the fabric of a true Confederate history may one day be woven. In the following account I have endeavored to confine myself to a narrative of the services of the Battery. If occasionally — as in the case of the isolation, bombardment, and reduction of Eort Pu laski, or of the illustrious defenses of Fort McAl lister, and of Battery Wagner — I have perhaps overstepped the limits which mark its individual history, I trust I will be pardoned; for the mind loves to dwell upon these gallant memories, and the record of the patriotism displayed, the valor exhibited, and the sufferings there endured, is sacred to the Confederate heart. It is an interesting fact, that at various times during the continuance of the war, the Chatham Artillery furnished from its membership to the Confederate and State service more than fifty commissioned officers.

For the first time in eighty years this venerable and time honored Company, through the force of circumstances, ceases to exist as an active military organization ; but the spirit of patriotism, of friendship, of generosity, of valor, and of devotion to law, order and liberty which always characterized it, still remains unchanged and unchangeable in the hearts of its surviving members; and we hope the day is not far distant, when the true men of this Battery will enjoy the privilege of reviv-

PREFACE.

. VIII ing the good old Company within the hospitable walls of Armory Hall, and of again marching by the side of our "Washington guns within the con fines of the beautiful and beloved city of Ogle thorpe. New Tore City, December, 1866. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY.

Chapter I

The Chatham Artillery in tlie military service of the State of Georgia — History of the occupation of Fort Pulaski. After calm deliberation, appreciating the nature and the consequences of the act, aware of the already avowed purposes of the Federal government toward a seceding state, and firmly relying upon the patriot ism and devotion of a large majority of the people of Georgia, his Excellency Joseph E. Brown, adopting a bold and decided policy worthy the noble state with whose interests and honor he was then specifically charged, late in the evening of the second of January eighteen hundred and sixty-one, issued the following orders to Colonel Alexander R. Lawton then com manding the 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteers : Head Quarters, Georgia Militia, Savannah, January 2, 1861. Colonel A. K. Lawton, Commanding 1st Regt.

Georgia Vols., Savannah. Sir : In view of the fact that the government at Washington has, as we are informed upon high authority, decided on the policy of coercing a seceding state back into the Union, and it is believed now has a movement on foot to reinforce Fort Sumter, at Charleston, and to occupy with Federal troops the Southern forts, including Fort Pulaski in this state, which, if done, would give the Federal government in any contest great advantages over the people in this state; to the end, therefore, that this stronghold which commands also the entrance into Georgia, may not be occupied by any hostile force until the convention of the state of Georgia, which is to meet on the 16th instant, has decided on the policy which Georgia will adopt in this emergency, you are ordered to take possession of Fort Pulaski as by public order herewith, and to hold it against all persons, to be abandoned only under orders from me, or under compulsion by an overpowering hostile force.

Immediately upon occupying the fort you will take measures to put it in a thorough state of defense as far as its means and ours will permit; and for this purpose you will advise with Captain Claghorn, Chatham Artillery, who has been charged with all matters relating to ordnance and ordnance stores, and their supply. You will further arrange with Captain Claghorn a series of day and night signals for communicating with the city of Savannah, for the purpose of calling for reinforcements, or for other necessary purposes. And you will arrange with Mr. John Cunningham, military purveyor for the time being, for the employment of one or more steam-boats, or other means of transportation by land or by water that may be necessary, and for other supplies (except for ordnance stores, for which you will call upon Capt. Claghorn) as may be required.

If circumstances should require it, the telegraph will be placed under surveillance. I think from our conversations you fully understand my views, and, relying upon your patriotism, energy and sound discretion in the execution of this important and delicate trust, I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Joseph E. Brown. Governor and Commander in Chief. Head Quarters, Georgia Militia, Savannah, January 2, 1861. Colonel A. R. Lawton, Commanding 1st Regt. Georgia Vols., Savannah. Sir : The governor and commander in chief directs you to detail one hundred and twenty-five men, or more if necessary, from your command, with the suitable number of officers, including one or more medical officers, to occupy immediately, until further orders, Fort Pulaski at the mouth of the Savannah river.

Arrangements for the comfort and subsistence of the command have been made, and you will cause one of the military officers to be detailed to act as quarter master and commissary to take charge of the public stores, and issue and account for them under the regulations that will be furnished to him. Additional supplies of any kind that may become necessary from time to time, will be obtained by requisition made by the quarter master and commissary, countersigned by the command ing officer, upon Mr. John Cunningham of Savannah who has been appointed military purveyor. Each man should carry with him a knapsack or valise con taining a change of clothing, 1 iron spoon, 1 knife, 1 fork, 1 tin cup, 1 clothes-brush, 1 shoe-brush, box of blacking, comb and brush. It is desirable that a portion of your men should be relieved in such numbers and at such times as you may determine, to be replaced by new drafts of equal strength ; care being taken that the relief be made at the fort, and that it does not exceed at any time one-half the command, that the greatest number on duty may be of those somewhat experienced in military duty.

In conclusion, the commander in chief relies upon your military skill and knowledge for the discreet exercise of the service involved in this order, for the maintenance of discipline, and for the care and accountability of the public property now in the fort, and to be sent there. The occupancy of the fort will be made under your personal direction, and you are desired to remain until proper order and system are established. This done to your satisfaction, you will visit and inspect the fort and command as often as practicable, at least twice a week. By order of the commander in chief, Henry C. Wayne, Adjutant General.

The necessity for this prompt and manly action on the part of the executive, subsequent events soon demonstrated; and every act in the grand drama which followed, proved conclusively that this dignified, high-toned course had not been too early adopted on behalf of the Empire State of the South. * The important events transpiring in the harbor of the sister city of Charleston, the recent overt acts and acknowledged intentions of the Federal government, the manifest tendency of events to one grand conclusion, the clear conception of the issues involved, and the calm resolve at every cost to maintain the dignity and the sovereignty of Georgia, the necessity for im mediate preparations, by every means at command, to brave the war of races, and stem the political storm which had been brewing for many years, and the unanimity of feeling upon the great questions of liberty, equality, constitutional rights, property and honor at stake, combined to awaken the deepest anxiety in the public mind, and to engender among the volunteer companies of Savannah a generous rivalry, an acknowledgment of responsibility, a per fection of organization, and a readiness for action, at once most marked and praiseworthy.

For several months previous, unusual activity was observed among them. Accessions to their ranks occurred at every meeting. The closest attention was bestowed upon drill and equipment, and the consequence was, that at this most important juncture, the 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteers — always distinguished for its proficiency and the reliability of its membership — now presented the appearance and the characteristics of a body of regulars trained for the field, rather than of a volunteer organization of state militia. The presence of the governor in Savannah, and the knowledge that the early occupation of Fort Pulaski by state forces was under serious consideration, awakened the liveliest interest. Prompt was the response of the volunteer companies detailed by their colonel for the execution of this, important order.

During the long and bloody months, fraught with dangers and privations, which marked the continu ance of the noblest and most heroic struggle for inde pendence ever recorded in the history of nations, Savannah has never been called upon to blush for the honor, the valor, or the patriotism of her sons. She sent them forth generously, and those who returned, came bringing their shields with them. Their blood has crimsoned the soil, and hallowed the recollections of almost every memorable battle fought in defense of the Southern Confederacy. The order for the occupation of Fort Pulaski was issued late on the evening of the second, and early on the morning of the third of January, 1861, detachments from the Chatham Artillery, Captain Claghorn, the Savannah Volunteer Guards, Captain Screven, and the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, Captain Bartow, num bering about one hundred and twenty-five men, under the command of Colonel Lawton, embarked on board a steamer, and at twelve o'clock m. the same day took formal possession of Fort Pulaski in the name of the state of Georgia.

ISTo resistance was encountered, as the fort was then in local charge of simply an ordnance sergeant and one or two assistants. The following is believed to be a correct roll of the officers and members of the Chatham Artillery who were ordered to Fort Pulaski on the morning of the third of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-one : Captain Joseph S. Claghorn. Lieutenants. . . Julian Hartridge. William M. Davidson. Sergeants. . . . Thomas A. Maddox. Thomas A. Askew. Corporals. . . . John F. Wheaton. B. H. Hardee. J. F. Doe. Lance Corporals. . J. A. Courvoisie. J. A. Lewis. Privates. Bailey, F. W. Privates. Hertz, F. E. Cannon, Chas. Horton, H. P. Charlton, A. H. Johnston, J. M. Christian, H. R. Johnson, G. 0. Cass, M. L. Lawton, E. P. Dickson, W. G. Miller, J. Farr, J. M. Scranton, H. H. Finlajson, J. SimSj p. -yr.

Gaudry, J. B. Tilden, B. Gray, P. Treanor, M. D. Gray, W. G. . Tuffts, M. Guilmartin, L. J. Whitehead, Geo. A. The battery of the Chatham Artillery, consisting of two twelve-pounder howitzers, and four six-pounder guns, all bronze, accompanied this detachment, and was at an early moment posted at the most available points in the fort, A second steamer, transporting the baggage of the command, arrived a little later in the day. The fact of the occupation of the fort was communicated by Col. Lawton in the following dispatch to the governor who was still in Savannah. Fort Pulaski,. January 3, 1861. To his Excellency, J. E. Brown, Governor, etc., etc. Sir : I have the honor to report to you that the troops under my command reached Cockspur island in safety, and took formal possession of Fort Pulaski about 12 o'clock M. to-day without meeting with any obstacle.

The second steamer, containing our baggage and supplies, has not yet arrived, and we are neces sarily in very great confusion. I am forced to write this dis patch on the head of a drum. On steaming down the river this morning, I ascertained with regret, that certain unauthorized persons had taken possession of the U. S. revenue cutter Dobbin, and are now exercising control over her in the waters of Gqjjrgia. However much we may applaud the sentiment which induced this act, it seems to me inconsistent with the position assumed by the commander in chief, and the authority by him conferred on me, that any such possession of property should be permitted except on pro per authority first given. I have, therefore, felt it to be my duty to take possession of this vessel, and have her towed to Savannah to be subject to your directions in the premises.

Had I been disposed to remand the cutter to the U. S. officers formerly in charge of her, it would not have been possible, as I am informed that they have left the state of Georgia. I sin cerely regret that such embarrassing questions are presented by unauthorized persons at this critical moment. I will be pleased to learn your decision in the premises. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, A. R. Lawton. The following correspondence sufficiently explains itself, and the disposition made of the cutter fully justifies the statement, that in this earliest assertion of the sovereignty of the state, the conduct of the go vernor and of those under his command was marked by a scrupulous regard for law, justice and propriety : Custom House, Collector's Office, etc. Sir : Capt. John Screven has this moment handed me your note of this date in relation to the recapture of the revenue cutter, J. C. Dobbin, in reply to which, I beg, in the name of the Federal government, to thank you, and further, to state, that I received a letter from the Hon. Philip F. Thomas, secretary of the treasury, some fifteen days ago, requesting me to direct the captain of said cutter to sail for Baltimore as soon as con venient, and on his arrival to report the same to him (the secretary of the treasury) in writing, and await his orders ; and that in obedience to said instructions, the cutter was ordered and on Saturday last prepared for sea, but was detained by unfavor able winds until last nigh^ when she was taken possession of by parties unknown to me.

Under these circumstances, I must ask the favor of you to direct those in charge to allow her to proceed to sea in compliance with instructions from this office. I have the honor to remain, Your obedient servant, John Boston, Collector. To his Excellency Governor Joseph E. Brown, Pulaski House. Pulaski House, January 3, 1861. John Boston, Esq., Collector of the Port of Savannah. Sir : The revenue cutter, J. C. Dobbin, which was seized by some unauthorized person or persons unknown to me, has, under the order given by me to Col. Lawton, now in command of Fort Pulaski, to protect government property against injury, been recaptured, and is now aground near Fort Pulaski. You will please send a revenue boat and take her into custody to night, and I will have her hauled off to-morrow morning and delivered to you at such place as you may designate.

I much regret the lawless seizure of the vessel, and beg leave to assure you that I shall from time to time give such orders as will pro tect the custom house and other property belonging to the Federal government till the action of this state is determined by the convention of her people. Very respectfully, etc., Joseph E. Brown. Pulaski House, January 3, 1861. John Boston, Collector, etc. Sir : Your note in reply to my communication of this evening is received, and I have ordered the delivery of the J. C. Dobbin to her captain, with permission to proceed to sea, as you have requested. Very respectfully, etc., Joseph E. Brown. The Washington guns — two six-pounder bronze field pieces — the pride and boast of this ancient and honorable Artillery company whose birth-day was well nigh coeval with that of the United States of America — the child of the revolution, whose first captain gave an arm to his country during the siege of Savannah, and many of whose early members had testified their devotion to the cause of liberty upon more than one of the memorable battle fields of the seven years' struggle for independence — these guns, themselves the trophies of that well fought contest, and the personal gift of the commander in chief, the immortal Washington — were not brought into active service.

The repeated discharges to which they had been subjected in a former century, physically disabled and rendered them unfit for field use in the present. Although their brave voices would have been lifted as willingly in defiance of wrong and oppression then, as in former days, having done well their part, their task was over, and they were tenderly consigned to a safe and fitting repose, whence, at the proper time, they will be brought forth, a pledge of the existence of this time honored company, a bond of union in coming years, a guaranty that the spirit of both revo lutions lives unquenched, and that although might has triumphed for the nonce, and the sword rendered its arbitrament in favor of superior numbers and the doctrines which they advocated, the eternal principles of truth and justice still survive.

The service of the Chatham Artillery was thus coeval with the first military act of Georgia in assert ing her state sovereignty, and antedates the inception of the Confederate struggle for independence properly so called; although, in fact, each individual act per formed in the respective Southern states looking towards their separation from a union which had long before ceased to be equal in its benefits or desirable in its influences, constituted but an essential, component part of that great and heroic undertaking. From the morning when its first detachment — buoyant with patriotic hope, and fired with high resolves — crossed the drawbridge of Fort Pulaski, to that sad day which witnessed in the surrender of the Confederate army under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston the virtual abandonment of the protracted, costly, and gigantic effort for liberty, this Battery was continuously in the field, at all times and in all places responding to every duty devolved upon it with a degree of intelligence, with an alacrity, and with an efficiency which attracted f HE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 19 alike the notice and the commendation of its com manding officers.

So earnestly enlisted were the sympathies of the citizens and the citizen soldiery of Savannah in behalf of the dignity of Georgia, so eager were they to secure every advantage which looked to her protection, so alive to the true designs of the Federal government, and so fearful that any delay might prejudice the interests of the state they loved so well, that a plan was set on foot to seize Fort Pulaski, and hold it against the United States without the sanction of the constituted authorities. This act was not conceived in a spirit of lawlessness, but was canvassed as a measure conducive to the early protection of the sea board, and the security of the commercial metropolis of Georgia, and calculated to give assurance and confidence to those, who, convinced of the necessity of asserting a positive independence of Federal rule, hesi tated to indulge in any overt act declarative of the resumption of her delegated rights and the assertion of her sovereignty by the state of Georgia.

Wiser counsels prevailed, however, and the contemplated movement was suspended for a few days to await the action of the governor, who was requested by telegraph to come to Savannah at the earliest convenient moment, observe the state of feeling, and, in view of the dangers to be apprehended, act in behalf of the state in advance of the deliberations of the convention of the people soon to assemble. Governor Brown, accordingly, repaired at once to the city. A con ference was held, and after the step had been maturely considered, orders were issued for the occupation of the fort. During the progress of the conference at the Pu aski House on the evening of the 2d of January, 1861, " intelligence was received from a reliable source at Washington, announcing that the policy of coercion had been adopted, and rendering quick action highly necessary.

Accordingly, the following day the fort was, in obedience to the governor's directions, taken formal possession of, in the name of the state, and by her regularly constituted volunteer militia. The flag of Georgia was with due formality raised above the battlements of Fort Pulaski, and saluted. There it continued to wave in pride and beauty, guarded, honored, and beloved by the sons of Georgia, until it gracefully yielded its place to the national flag of the Confederate states, within whose ampler folds were garnered the hopes, not only of the Empire State of the South, but also of her valiant sisters who, with common hopes and kindred interests, had together solemnly resolved to imperil all in sacred defense of life, liberty, inalienable right, property and honor. The right of any people upon adequate cause to change a form of government, tbe right of states homogeneous in interests, feelings, institutions and destiny, to withdraw from a union into which they had originally entered voluntarily for purposes of mutual benefit, protection and equality, whenever that union ceased to subserve the purposes for which it was designed, and no longer conduced to the general welfare, was believed by Georgia to be absolute and incontrovertible; and, although the sword has physically settled the question against her, its award cannot alter the rectitude of her position, or negative a principle which partakes of the essence of liberty, and has its home in the very heart of truth.

On the 18th of January, 1861, it was unanimously resolved by the convention of the people of Georgia in Milledgeville assembled : That this convention highly approves the energetic and patriotic conduct of Governor Brown in taking possession of Fort Pulaski by Georgia troops, and requests him to hold possession until the relations of Georgia with the Federal government be determined by this convention.1 The following day the ordinance to dissolve the union between the state of Georgia and other states united with her under a compact of government entitled " the Constitution of the United States of America," was adopted by the convention by a vote of 208 yeas, to 89 nays. That ordinance whereby the state of Georgia de clared her freedom, sovereignty and independence, was couched in these simple, dignified and compre hensive terms : We, the people of the state of Georgia in convention as sembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained ; That the ordinance adopted by the people of the state of Georgia in convention on the second day of January, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the constitution of the United States of America was assented to, ratified and adopted ; and also all acts and parts of acts of the general assembly of this state, ratifying and adopting amend ments of the said constitution, are hereby repealed, rescinded and abrogated.

We do further declare and ordain that the union now sub sisting between the state of Georgia and other states, under the name of the " United States of America," is hereby dissolved, and that the state of Georgia is in the full possession and exercise of all those rights of sovereignty which belong and ap pertain to a free and independent state. 1 See Journal p. 26. There is no question of the fact that the occupation of Fort Pulaski in this deliberate, manly, dignified man ner, and in obedience to the express command of the state executive, exercised a potent influence, not only within the limits of Georgia, but also among her sister southern states. It demonstrated to friend and foe alike, that the work was begun in earnest and in the true way; that there were cool heads to conceive, and brave hearts to execute.

The state was thus, prior to the assembling of her convention, committed to the doctrine of secession. Fort Pulaski is situated on Cockspur island, in latitude thirty-two degrees two minutes north and longitude three degrees fifty-one minutes west from Washington, at the head of Tybee roads, commanding both channels of the Savannah river. The position is a very strong one. The recent improvements in artillery and the introduction of heavy rifle guns of extended range and great power have, however, diminished its importance as an isolated work, and have clearly demonstrated the fact that in its present condition it can at any time be reduced by land batteries suitably armed, and located on Tybee island. The proper fortification or occupation of that island will hereafter be regarded as necessary to the exist ence of this fortification.

Cockspur is a marsh island about one mile long and half a mile wide. Fort Pulaski is a brick work of five sides or faces, including the gorge; casemated on all sides, with walls seven and a half feet thick, rising twenty-five feet above high water; mounting one tier of guns in embrasures, and one en barbette. The goro-e is covered by an earthen work (demilune) of bold relief. The main work and demilune are both surrounded and divided by a wet ditch. Around the main work the ditch is forty-eight feet wide ; around the demilune, thirty-two feet. The communication with the exterior is through the gorge into the demilune over a drawbridge, and then through one face of the demi lune over the demilune ditch by another drawbridge. The scarp of the demilune and the entire counter scarp of the main work and demilune are revetted with good brick masonry.

A full armament for the work would be one hundred and forty guns.1 At the time of its occupation under the orders of Governor Brown, its armament consisted of only twenty thirty-two-pounder guns, the carriages of which were, in most instances, in bad condition and unserviceable. Dry rot had sadly invaded them. In the magazines were only a few hundred pounds of powder, and that of a very inferior quality. Such cartridge bags as could be found, were moth-eaten and valueless. Of solid shot there was but a limited supply, and there was not a shell ready for action. Implements were scarce. Not a single gun was mounted en barbette. The quarters were destitute of furniture. Every thing was out of order. Of ordnance, quarter master, and commissary stores, there was no accumulation. The honor and the safety of Georgia were, however, at stake, the spirit of the men was admirable, and every one with alacrity and untiring zeal entered upon the great work of placing the fort in as perfect a state of defense as the limited means at command would justify.