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Brigadier
General Beauregard's Battle Report HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY,
Charleston, S.C., April 27, 1861
SIR: I have the honor to
submit the following detailed report of the bombardment and surrender of
Fort Sumter and the incidents connected therewith:
Having completed my channel defenses and batteries in the harbor
necessary for the reduction of Fort Sumter, I dispatched two of my aides
at 2.20 p.m., on Thursday, the 11th of April, with a communication to
Major Anderson, in command of the fortification, demanding its evacuation.
I offered to transport himself and command to any port in the United
States he might elect, to allow him to move out of the fort with company
arms and property and all private property, and to salute his flag in
lowering it. He refused to accede to the demand. As my aides were about
leaving Major Anderson remarked that if we did not batter him to pieces he
would be starved out in a few days, or words to that effect. This being
reported to me by my aides on their return with his refusal, at 5.10 p.m.,
I deemed it proper to telegraph the purport of his remark to the Secretary
of War. In reply I received by telegraph the following instructions at
9.10 p.m.: “Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major
Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will
evacuate, and agree that in the mean time he will not use his guns against
us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized
thus to avoid effusion of blood. If this, or its equivalent, be refused,
reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be most practicable.”
At 11 p.m. I sent my aides with a communication to Major Anderson based
on the foregoing instructions. It was placed in his hands at 12.45 a.m.
12th instant. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on Monday
at noon if provided with the necessary means of transportation, and if he
should not receive contradictory instructions from his Government or
additional supplies, but he declined to agree not to open his guns upon us
in the event of any hostile demonstrations on our part against his flag.
This reply, which was opened and shown to my aides, plainly indicated that
if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate, or
if he should receive his supplies, or if the Confederate troops should
fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports bearing
the United States flag, containing men, munitions, and supplies designed
for hostile operations against us, he would still feel himself bound to
fire upon us, and to hold possession of the fort.
As, in consequence of a communication from the President of the United
States to the governor of South Carolina, we were in momentary expectation
of an attempt to re-enforce Fort Sumter, or of a descent upon our coast to
that end from the United States fleet then lying at the entrance of the
harbor, it was manifestly an imperative necessity to reduce the fort as
speedily as possible, and not to wait until the ships and the fort should
unite in a combined attack upon us. Accordingly my aides, carrying out my
instructions, promptly refused to accede to the terms proposed by Major
Anderson, and notified him in writing that our batteries would open upon
Fort Sumter in one hour. This notification was given at 3.20 a.m. of
Friday, the 12th instant. The signal shell was fired from Fort Johnson at
4.30 a.m. At about 5 o'clock the fire from our batteries became general.
Fort Sumter did not open fire until 7 o'clock, when it commenced with a
vigorous fire upon the Cummings Point iron battery. The enemy next
directed his fire upon the enfilade battery on Sullivan's Island,
constructed to sweep the parapet of Fort Sumter, to prevent the working of
the barbette guns and to dismount them. This was also the aim of the
floating battery, the Dahlgren battery, and the gun batteries at Cummings
Point.
The enemy next opened on Fort Moultrie, between which and Fort Sumter a
steady and almost constant fire was kept up throughout the day. These
three points - Fort Moultrie, Cummings Point, and the end of Sullivan's
Island, where the floating battery, Dahlgren battery, and the enfilade
battery were placed - were the points to which the enemy seemed almost to
confine his attention, although he fired a number of shots at Captain
Butler's mortar battery, situated to the east of Fort Moultrie, and a few
at Captain James' mortar batteries at Fort Johnson.
During the day (12th) the fire of my batteries was kept up most
spiritedly, the guns and mortars being worked in the coolest manner,
preserving the prescribed intervals of firing. Towards evening it became
evident that our fire was very effective, as the enemy was driven from his
barbette gun which he attempted to work in the morning, and his fire was
confined to his casemated guns, but in a less active manner than in the
morning, and it was observed that several of his guns en barbette were
disabled. During the whole of Friday night our mortar batteries continued
to throw shells, but, in obedience to orders, at longer intervals. The
night was rainy and dark, and as it was almost confidently expected that
the United States fleet would attempt to laud troops Upon the islands or
to throw men into Fort Sumter by means of boats, the greatest vigilance
was observed at all our channel batteries, and by our troops on both
Morris and Sullivan's Islands.
Early on Saturday morning all of our batteries reopened upon Fort
Sumter, which responded vigorously for a time, directing its fire
specially against Fort Moultrie. About 8 o'clock a.m. smoke was seen
issuing from the quarters of Fort Sumter. Upon this the fire of our
batteries was increased, as a matter of course, for the purpose of
bringing the enemy to terms as speedily as possibly, inasmuch as his flag
was still floating defiantly above him. Fort Sumter continued to fire from
time to time, but at long and irregular intervals, amid the dense smoke,
flying shot, and bursting shells. Our brave troops, carried away by their
natural generous impulses, mounted the different batteries, and at every
discharge from the fort cheered the garrison for its pluck and gallantry,
and hooted the fleet lying inactive just outside the bar.
About 1.30 p.m., it being reported to me that the flag was down (it
afterwards appeared that the flag-staff had been shot away), and the
conflagation from the large volume of smoke being apparently on the
increase, I sent three of my aides with a message to Major Anderson to the
effect that seeing his flag no longer flying, his quarters in flames, and
supposing him to be in distress, I desired to offer him any assistance he
might stand in need of. Before my aides reached the fort the United States
flag was displayed on the parapet, but remained there only a short time,
when it was hauled down and a white flag substituted in its place. When
the United States flag first disappeared the firing from our batteries
almost entirely ceased, but reopened with increased vigor when it
reappeared on the parapet, and was continued until the white flag was
raised, when it ceased entirely. Upon the arrival of my aides at Fort
Sumter they delivered their message to Major Anderson, who replied that he
thanked me for my offer, but desired no assistance.
Just previous to their arrival Colonel Wigfall, one of my aides, who
had been detached for special duty on Morris Island; had, by order of
Brigadier-General Simons, crossed over to Fort Sumter from Cummings Point
in an open boat, with private Gourdin Young, amidst a heavy fire of shot
and shell, for the purpose of ascertaining from Major Anderson whether his
intention was to surrender, his flag being down and his quarters in
flames. On reaching the fort the colonel had an interview with Major
Anderson, the result of which was that Major Anderson understood him as
offering the same conditions on the part of General Beauregard as had been
tendered him on the 11th instant, while Colonel Wigfall's impression was
that Major Anderson unconditionally surrendered, trusting to the
generosity of General Beauregard to offer such terms as would be honorable
and acceptable to both parties. Meanwhile, before these circumstances were
reported to me, and in fact soon after the aides whom I had dispatched
with the offer of assistance had set out on their mission, hearing that a
white flag was flying over the fort, I sent Major Jones, the chief of my
staff, and some other aides, with substantially the same propositions I
had submitted to Major Anderson on the 11th instant, with the exception of
the privilege of saluting his flag. The Major (Anderson) replied, “it
would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be
permitted to salute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort
under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would
not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual.” He further said he
“would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to
me.” The point was, therefore, left open until the matter was submitted to
me.
Previous to the return of Major Jones I sent a fire engine, under Mr.
M. H. Nathan, chief of the fire department, and Surgeon-General Gibbes, of
South Carolina with several of my aides, to offer further assistance to
the garrison at Fort Sumter, which was declined. I very cheerfully agreed
to allow the salute, as an honorable testimony to the gallantry and
fortitude with which Major Anderson and his command had defended their
post, and I informed Major Anderson of my decision about 7½ o'clock,
through Major Jones, my chief of staff.
The arrangements being completed Major Anderson embarked with his
command on the transport prepared to convey him to the United States fleet
lying outside the bar, and our troops immediately garrisoned the fort, and
before sunset the flag of the Confederate States floated over the ramparts
of Fort Sumter.
I commend in the highest terms the gallantry of every one under my
command, and it is with diffidence that I will mention any corps or names
for fear of doing injustice to those not mentioned, for where all have
done their duty well it is difficult to discriminate. Although the troops
out of the batteries bearing on Fort Sumter were not so fortunate as their
comrades working the guns and mortars, still their services were equally
as valuable and as commendable, for they were on their arms at the channel
batteries, and at their posts and bivouacs, and exposed to severe weather,
and constant watchfulness, expecting every moment and ready to repel
re-enforcements from the powerful fleet off the bar, and to all the troops
under my command I award much praise for their gallantry, and the
cheerfulness with which they met the duties required of them. I feel much
indebted to Generals R. G. M. Dunovant and James Simons and their staffs,
especially Majors Evans and De Saussure, South Carolina Army, commanding
on Sullivan's and Morris' Islands, for their valuable and gallant
services, and the discretion they displayed in executing the duties
devolving on their responsible positions. Of Lieut. Colonel R. S. Ripley,
First Artillery Battalion, commandant of batteries on Sullivan's Island, I
cannot speak too highly, and join with General Dunovant, his immediate
commander since January last, in commending in the highest terms his
sagacity, experience, and unflagging zeal. I would also mention in the
highest terms of praise Captains Calhoun and Hallonquist, assistant
commandants of batteries to Colonel Ripley; and the following commanders
of batteries on Sullivan's Island: Capt. J. R. Hamilton, commanding the
floating battery and Dahlgren gun; Captains Butler, South Carolina Army,
and Bruns, aide-de-camp to General Dunovant, and Lieutenants Wagner,
Rhett, Yates, Valentine, and Parker.
To Lieut. Colonel W. G. De Saussure, Second Artillery Battalion,
commandant of batteries on Morris island, too much praise cannot be given.
He displayed the most untiring energy, and his judicious arrangements and
the good management of his batteries contributed much to the reduction of
Fort Sumter. To Major Stevens, of the Citadel Academy, in charge of the
Cummings Point batteries, I feel much indebted for his valuable and
scientific assistance, and the efficient working of the batteries under
his immediate charge. The Cummings Point batteries (iron--42 pounder and
mortar) were manned by the Palmetto Guards, Captain Cuthbert, and I take
pleasure in expressing my admiration of the service of the gallant captain
and his distinguished company during the action.
I would also mention in terms of praise the following commanders of
batteries at the point, viz.: Lieutenants Armstrong, of the Citadel
Academy and Brownfield, of the Palmetto Guards; also Captain Thomas, of
the Citadel Academy, who had charge of the rifled cannon, and had the
honor of using this valuable weapon - a gift of one of South Carolina's
distant sons to his native State - with peculiar effect. Capt. J. G. King,
with his company, the Marion Artillery, commanded the mortar battery in
rear of the Cummings Point batteries, and the accuracy of his
shell-practice was the theme of general admiration. Capt. George S. James,
commanding at Fort Johnson, had the honor of firing the first shell at
Fort Sumter, and his conduct and that of those under him was commendable
during the action. Captain Martin, South Carolina Army, commanded the
Mount Pleasant mortar battery, and with his assistants did good service.
For a more detailed account of the gallantry of officers and men, and of
the various incidents of the attack on Fort Sumter, I would respectfully
invite your attention to the copies of the reports of the different
officers under my command, herewith inclosed.
I cannot close my report without reference to the following gentlemen:
To his excellency Governor Pickens and staff, especially Colonels Lamar
and Dearing, who were so active and efficient in the construction of the
channel batteries; Colonels Lucas and Moore for assistance on various
occasions, and Colonel Duryea and Mr. Nathan (chief of the fire
department) for their gallant assistance in putting out the fire at Fort
Sumter when the magazine of the latter was imminent danger of explosion;
General Jamison, Secretary of War, and General S. R. Gist,
adjutant-general, for their valuable assistance in obtaining and
dispatching the troops for the attack on Fort Sumter and defense of the
batteries; Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments, Colonel Hatch and
Colonel Walker, and the ordnance board, especially Colonel Manigault,
Chief of Ordnance, whose zeal and activity were untiring: The Medical
Department, whose preparations had been judiciously and amply made, but
which a kind Providence rendered unnecessary; the Engineers, Majors
Whiting and Gwynn, Captains Trapier and Lee, and Lieutenants McCrady,
Earle, and Gregorie, on whom too much praise cannot be bestowed for their
untiring zeal, energy, and gallantry, and to whose labors is greatly due
the unprecedented example of taking such an important work after
thirty-three hours' firing without having to report the loss of a single
life, and but four slightly wounded. From Major W. H. C. Whiting I derived
also much assistance, not only as an engineer, in selecting the sites and
laying out the channel batteries on Morris Island, but as acting assistant
adjutant and inspector general in arranging and stationing the troops on
said island. To the naval department, especially Captain Hartstene, one of
my volunteer aides, who was perfectly indefatigable in guarding the
entrance into the harbor, and in transmitting my orders; Lieut. T. B.
Huger, who was also of much service, first as respecting ordnance officer
of batteries, then in charge of the batteries on the south end of Morris
Island; Lieutenant Warley, who commanded the Dahlgren channel battery;
also the school-ship, which was kindly offered by the board of directors,
and was of much service; Lieutenant Rutledge, who was acting
inspector-general of ordnance of all the batteries, in which capacity,
assisted by Lieutenant Williams, C. S. A., on Morris Island, he was of
much service in organizing and distributing the ammunition; Captains
Childs and Jones, assistant commandant of batteries; to Lieutenant-Colonel
De Saussure, Captains Winder and Allston, acting assistant adjutant and
inspector general to General Simons' brigade; Captain Manigault, of my
staff, attached on General Simons' staff, who did efficient and gallant
services on Morris Island during the fight; Prof. Lewis R. Gibbes, of
Charleston College, and his aides, for their valuable services in
operating the Drummond lights established at the extensions of Sullivan's
and Morris Islands. The venerable and gallant Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia,
was at the Iron battery, and fired many guns, undergoing every fatigue and
sharing the hardships at the battery with the youngest of the Palmettoes.
To my regular staff, Major Jones, C. S. A.; Captains Lee and Ferguson,
South Carolina Army, and Lieutenant Legaré, South Carolina Army, and
volunteer staff, Messrs. Chisolm, Wigfall, Chesnut, Manning, Miles,
Gonzales, and Pryor, I am much indebted for their indefatigable and
valuable assistance night and day during the attack on Fort Sumter,
transmitting in open boats my orders when called upon with alacrity and
cheerfulness to the different batteries amidst falling balls and bursting
shells, Captain Wigfall being the first in Sumter to receive the
surrender.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
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