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The New York Herald

July 19, 1863

THE ADVANCE ON CHARLESTON.
Capture of the Greater Portion of Morris Island.
Our Special Correspondence with the Land Forces.

MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., July 14, 1863.
PRELIMINARY.

The Fulton will leave Hilton Head for New York on Wednesday, and I shall forward, to be sent by her, a full account of all our operations in this vicinity up to this night. We have achieved a glorious victory, more important than is indicated by the more number of prisoners taken, the territory obtained possession of or the casualties on either side. This is but the beginning of the end; but the principal difficulties of the whole contemplated movement were to be overcome at the commencement. That has been bravely and successfully accomplished by one of the best arranged plans that human wisdom could devise. General Gillmore has shown himself to be the man for the times in this department, where a long season of farming, negro teaching, sham demonstrations and no fighting would have completely emasculated ordinary troops and rendered them unfit for war and incapable of success, in almost every movement they have been engaged in since the early successes the troops have been either repulsed or led back just as they were confident of success. But they were made of good stuff, and only needed a general capable of arousing their latent qualities, exciting enthusiasm, inspiring confidence, and planning campaigns which should not be failures or so long perfecting that young men would grow gray headed in the process. Gen. Gillmore had all these requisites. Many of the troops knew him, had seen him capture Fort Pulaski, and had faith in his competency for such operations as the department afforded an opportunity of making. They began to improve from the time of his arrival. From restlessness and apathy they changed to enthusiasm. They were permitted to leave off waiting on the negroes and to become soldiers again, as they had enlisted to be. From lying in camp and fighting fleas they went to preparing for a fight with the enemy. 

OUR GENERALS.

Then General Gillmore brought with him other generals who preferred fighting to holding levees, and, having military rather than aldermanic aspirations, would choose being under a fighting major general rather than a major general in a military settlement. Brigadier General Strong, young, ardent, dashing, just calculated to inspire troops with a contempt for peril, who can lead storming parties or make a charge; Brigadier General Seymour, strict in discipline, wise and cautious in council, withal experienced, and brave as well as wise and prudent, Brigadier General Terry, combining a variety of excellent qualities, well deserving of his rank, judicious and clear headed, Brigadier, Brigadier General Stevenson, one of the best officers the Bay State has furnished, and the pride of his brigade - all these either came into the department with General Gillmore, or by his coming were relieved of the restrictions which had disabled them from accomplishing anything before. These were all generals in whom the troops had confidence, and each man was placed in the right position. Brigadier General Vogdes was placed where the services of a man who had been a professor at West Point and had a remarkably extensive knowledge of military science and history would be most available. And then Gillmore assumed general direction of the whole, not in red tape style, but giving his personal attention wherever it was important. Brig. Gen. Saxton was left in command of the post at Beaufort, the best place for him.

HOW GEN. GILLMORE FOUND THINGS. 

When Gen. Gillmore arrived here we had only a few troops on Folly Island and two brigades at North Edisto. The occupation of these places was intended as a feint, but the enemy was evidently not at all misled by it. At Folly Island we were strictly on the defensive. Extensive works had been built at the southwesterly extremity, commanding Stono inlet, and for what purpose built it is impossible to say, unless an attack from England or capture by a privateer was feared. Two miles up, at the White House, Gen. Vogdes had surrounded his headquarters with a cordon of batteries, regiments, rifle pits and gunboats. Three miles further off, at Camp Howell, were a few troops. Up to this point the island was wooded, but for two miles above was a stretch of barren land with a marsh on the left At the front of the woods, near Camp Howell was a line of works running from the [ ] and out on the marsh at the left. At the extreme point was a wooded section, with a line of sand bluffs behind a fine beach. A picket was kept here, but nothing more. 

REBEL WORKS ON THE LOWER END OF MORRIS ISLAND.

On the opposite side of Lighthouse Inlet the rebels on Morris Island had been allowed to put up strong batteries, surrounded by sand bluffs and mounting ten guns, with the exposed flank towards Folly river protected by extensive rifle pits. We had no batteries nearer than Camp Howell. We had some knowledge of the rebel works and forces, by spies and deserters, enough to know that the batteries were good ones and the troops few in number. The rebels occasionally amused themselves by shelling the island up as far as Camp Howell; but we had only a few casualties.

OUR FIRST MOVEMENTS. 

As soon as General Gillmore had taken command of the department he visited Folly Island and examined it thoroughly. He at once commenced operations. All the troops were immediately given work to do. The transport steamers and sailing vessels were put to work carrying guns, mortars and ammunition to the island. Several regiments of troops were set to work constructing batteries at the point next the Lighthouse Inlet. They worked very secretly by night, under the direction of skilful officers. General Seymour was placed in command of the post, and General Vogdes had immediate charge of the battery building in Camp Seymour (as the camp at the front had been named), with Lieutenants Luter, Maguire, Wilson and others as engineer officers.

General Gillmore went up every day or two, and kept his eye on everything. In this way forty five guns and mortars were mounted, the first line in embrasure: but the embrasures were kept closed. The enemy had no suspicion that we had anything at the front more than a strong picket, and at the imaginary sentinels they fired while our men worked, most of the shells bursting in the woods beyond them. The breastworks were composed of sand, timber and sand bags, and bomb proofs were built for the protection of the infantry support. The works were admirably constructed in every particular, and as they progressed without discovery, any one could see we had the rebels surely.

WHO MANNED THE BATTERIES.

The various batteries were commanded and worked as follows:

-

First Line. 

Hamilton's battery of regulars, Company E, Third United States artillery, Lieutenant Myrick commanding, working six ten-pounder Parrott guns.

First Sergeant Lee, of Company C, First United States artillery, with detachment from that company, working three thirty pound Parrotts.

On the extreme right, Company C, Third Rhode Island artillery, Captain Brayton, working four three-inch Dyer guns.

On the extreme left, Company M, Third Rhode Island artillery, Captain J. J. Comstock, Jr., four ten-inch mortars.

Company I, Third Rhode Island artillery, Captain Charles G. Strahan, four twenty pound Parrotts.

Company B, Third Rhode Island, Captain Albert Green, six ten-inch mortars.

Company D, Third Rhode Island, Captain Richard Shaw, eight thirty- pound Parrotts.

Second Line.

This was commanded by Major Bailey, of the Third Rhode Island.

Lieutenant Holbrook, with a detachment of Company M, Third Rhode Island, five eight inch mortars.

Lieutenant Burgemeyer, Third New York artillery, with a detachment, four Wierd guns.

POSTPONEMENT OF THE ATTACK.

The arrangements having been all perfected and the batteries completed, it was proposed to commence the attack at daylight on the morning of Thursday. Stevenson  brigade, and Montgomery's black brigade were embarked in transports from St. Helena, and were to go up Wednesday evening to reach Folly Island before midnight. These troops were to be a part of Terry's division, which had an important work to do. Wednesday evening, after a heavy thunder shower, we had a blow and a high sea. The transports got up off Stono, but could not go over the bar; so the attack had to be postponed. The transports laid off the bar till evening, and then came in without trouble.

THE PLAN OF THE ATTACK.

I have been permitted to copy the following general orders containing the first plan of attack, and the one finally acted on containing some changes from the original plan. These orders are as follows: -

SPECIAL ORDERS - NO. 1.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

IN THE FIELD, FOLLY ISLAND, July 8, 1863.

I. An attack upon Morris Island will be made at the rising of the moon to- night by Brigadier General Strong's brigade, of Brigadier General Seymour division. This force will be embarked in small boats immediately after sunset, and will pass through Folly Island creek to and across Lighthouse Inlet.

A small detachment from the force will enter the creek to the west of Morris Island, and will land just north of the lighthouse, seize the batteries, and, if possible; turn them upon the enemy's encampments north of them. The main column will land from Lighthouse Inlet, carry the batteries on the south end of Morris Island, and advance to the support of the detachment above mentioned.
 
Two regiments and some field artillery will be held in readiness on the extreme north end of Folly Island, to be pushed over as reinforcements. To this end General Strong will send his boats over as soon as he had disembarked his command.

II. At the same time Gen. Terry, with all his division, except the One Hundredth New York Volunteers, will ascend the Stono river under cover of the navy and attack the enemy on James Island. He will be governed by his verbal instructions.

III. A naval force is expected to enter the main channel abreast of Morris Island by or before sunrise to-morrow to co-operate with the land forces.

IV. Should the night attack rail from any cause the assaulting column will withdraw to Folly Island, sending their boats into Folly Island creek. In that event the batteries on the north end of Folly Island will open at daybreak or as soon thereafter as practicable.

Brigadier General Seymour will arrange the details.

By order of Brigadier General Q. A. GILLMORE.

ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant General.

SPECIAL ORDERS - NO. 2.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

IN THE FIELD, FOLLY ISLAND, July 9, 1863.

I. The attack on Morris Island, ordered for this morning, but postponed in consequence of the inclemency of the weather and other unfavorable circumstances, will take place to-morrow morning at break of day, by opening our batteries at the north end of Folly Island.

General Strong's brigade, or so much of it as the small boats can accommodate, will embark to-night, and hold itself in Folly Island creek, ready to move forward, and at the proper time occupy the south end of Morris Island.

II. Lieutenant Commanding Francis N. Bunce, United States Navy, with four navy howitzer launches, will approach Lighthouse Inlet at the day break by way of Folly Island creek, and engage the enemy's rifle pits and batteries in flank and reverse, choosing his own positions. He will cover General Strong's landing.

III. Two regiments of infantry, a battery of light artillery and five rifle batteries will be held in readiness to reinforce General Strong promptly. 

General Seymour will arrange and order the details.

By order of Brigadier General Q. A. GILLMORE.

ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant General.

STRONG'S BRIGADE, which was to perform a very delicate, dangerous and important task, was composed as follows: -

Battalion of Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, consisting of Companies A, B, I and K, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D. C. Rodman, having the right.

Sixth Connecticut, Colonel John L. Chatfield.

Third New Hampshire, Colonel John H. Jackson.

Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania, Colonel D. C. Strawbridge.

Ninth Maine, Colonel Sabine Emery.

Forty-eighth New York, Colonel Barton.

Only a battalion of this regiment went with Strong's first expedition, the transportation facilities being insufficient. 

These were all regiments in which General Strong had great confidence, fine in appearance, and  evidently adapted to the work before them. No one complained because the Seventh Connecticut battalion, commanded by an officer junior to all the other regimental commanders, was given the right,  the utility of that arrangement being perceptible to all.

THE MORNING OF THE FIGHT.

By Friday morning nearly all the camps on Folly Island were deserted, the troops having been moved to the front or sent off to perform their part of the duty at other points, only enough being left on the island to guard against surprise. Gen. Gillmore spent the night at the White House, but came to the front early in the morning and took position in the observatory near Camp Howell, where he had his headquarters for the time. Here he could see many of the movements, command a view of Charleston harbor, and communicate with all the expeditions by means of signals. Gen. Seymour and Gen. Vogdes were at the front; Gen. Strong was lying in Folly river with his brigade in  a flotilla of boats; Terry was landing on James Island from Stono river, and our batteries at the front had been unmasked by shoveling the sand from before the embrasures. Spectators crowded to the front of the woods at Camp Howell and anxiously awaited the opening of the ball.

THE FIRST SHOT
was fired at just five minutes before five o, and produced great excitement in the enemy's camp. It was well aimed, and struck the carriage of one of the enemy's best guns, disabling it for the day. Our boys cheered, and the rebels came running upon the parapets completely astonished and evidently much scared.

THE BOMBARDMENT.

They soon retired, for we made it too hot for them. The first gun was only the signal for all our batteries to open, and the shot and shell went into their works in showers. Inside of one minute I counted a hundred discharges of guns and mortars. The roar was deafening, the sight of the shells bursting directly  over the rebels' heads a grand one. The range was so short and our gunners so skilful that our accuracy was fearful. From the first it was evident the rebels could not stand such a fire. Their guns were mounted en barbette, and our small guns did great execution among those who manned them. We had sharpshooters, too, who picked off such as presented a good mark. Our fleet also poured in a raking cross fire after they got the range so that they could ricochet balls among their batteries and burst shells in their ravines. At first the gunboats fired too high, the shells bursting in the marsh, nearer Strong's flotilla than the rebels; but they were soon able to assist materially, and the fifteen-inch shells from the Monitors produced great havoc. For about two hours was this general bombardment kept up. The rebels responded feebly, with only five guns, for a long time. They over-shot us at first, and with some of their guns continually, the shells bursting far in our rear, where they supposed we had troops. Finally they succeeded in pitching shells in at the rear of our batteries and upon the works; but our artillerists had too good cover to care for such annoyances. Our fire did not slacken at all. Solid shot, large and small, Minie balls, bursting in air" all about them, sometimes stopped the fire of the rebels entirely; but they were plucky, and resumed the fight again and again.

ACCIDENT IN CAMP SEYMOUR.

During the bombardment two Rhode Island artillerymen were shockingly wounded by the premature discharge of a piece they were loading. Each lost both his arms and had his face and body horribly disfigured.

ONLY ONE MAN KILLED BY THE ENEMY.

There was only one casualty at Camp Seymour during the action as the result of the enemy's firing. That was the killing of an engineer soldier, who carelessly exposed himself to the rebel shells, and had his   head knocked off by a fragment.

ATTACK BY BOAT HOWITZERS.

Soon after the attack commenced four boats from the navy, each carrying a howitzer, under command of Lieutenant Commander Bunce, Executive Officer of the Pawnee, advanced from Strong's flotilla and opened fire on the rebel rifle pits, near the junction of Lighthouse Inlet with Folly river. The boats did good execution among the enemy's riflemen. This movement called attention to Strong's brigade, and a hot fire was opened on it and on the howitzer boats. The shells came close and fast, but there was only one casualty. One boat full of troops was struck and sunk. One of the occupants only was hurt: he had his leg shot off; but with the remaining one and his hands he swam to another boat, was lifted in and died in ten minutes. RECONNOISSANCE BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL RODMAN'S BATTALION.

At about half past six General Strong sent Lieutenant Colonel Rodman, with Capt. Chamberlain and twenty of the Seventh Connecticut men, to take a small battery which was supposed to be located a short distance down the shore. Colonel Rodman landed there, and finding no battery skirmished up till he came to the rebel rifle pits and ascertained their exact location. He then returned and reported to General Strong, who made arrangements to land immediately.

CAPTURE OF THE RIFLE PITS.

Lieutenant Colonel Rodman, with his Connecticut Seventh battalion, landed first under a hot fire, which soon began to take effect, and charged furiously on the rebel rifle pits. One or two volleys were fired at them, and they returned it, doing great execution and piling up heaps of slaughtered rebels. The surviving ones skedaddled, making excellent time and occasionally dropping a dead or wounded one as they scampered up the hill.

LANDING OF THE BRIGADE.

Colonel Rodman sent back word that he could hold the rifle pits till the brigade was landed, and General Strong at once took the Sixth Connecticut ashore on the beach of Lighthouse Inlet, in front of the batteries, which were not yet silenced. Anxious to inspire his men by example, Gen. Strong jumped  for the shore before his (the advance) boat had reached it. He alighted in deep water, and went in all over. Capt. Harrall, his aid-de-camp, jumped out on the other side to go to his aid; but the General  needed no assistance, and was the first one ashore. The men rushed on to the beach with the wildest enthusiasm. Gen. Strong left them there, telling them to get the best cover possible, while he went to land the rest of the brigade. As they came ashore the General shouted, "Come on, my brave men, I lead you," and they gave a shout which drowned the whistling of the Minie Balls and the humming of the shot and shells.

CAPTURE OF THE BATTERIES.

Across the marsh they went, over the rifle pits, and up the bluffs to the batteries. The Sixth Connecticut, at the proper time, charged up the front of the works with cheers, our men in camp Seymour joining in the shout. The Sixth had small loss, but some of the main column, which Gen. Strong led, lost more severely, as will be seen by the list. They were exposed to a heavy fire a long time while in the boats, and then had to march quite a distance over open ground. Scarcely a man flinched. They showed more heroism than appears, for it was anticipated that masked batteries would open on them in addition to the open ones they had to face. One corporal, just as several shells burst near him, stepped out of the ranks and started to run off. A powerful private, who had noticed signs of cowardice in him, chased and captured him, caught him by the collar, jerked him back to his place, and informed him that he must right up to the dough dish." I am not aware that the corporal has complained of this private for assault on a superior officer; but the corporal deserves being put in the ranks and replaced in his present position by the private who took the responsibility of making him face the music.

SPLENDID ADVANCE OF THE STORMING PARTIES.

The advance of the storming party was a beautiful sight. They had lain in their boats through the silent morning hours; had seen a beautiful sun rise through clear air at first, and then dimly through the smoke of battle; had survived a thousand chances of death; had left their fallen comrades on the ground they had crossed, and now, as the smoke of the silenced batteries began to blow away, they went shouting over into the captured camps, waving flags, rushing for the front, competing only for the positions of greatest danger. Our troops in Camp Seymour kept cheering, the men-of-warmen swung their hats and shouted, and so the whole brigade disappeared, charging down on still another battery and pursuing the retreating rebels.

REINFORCEMENTS LANDED. 

As soon as the front batteries were taken the One Hundredth New York, Colonel Dandy, and the Seventh New Hampshire, Colonel H. S. Putnam, the remaining battalion of the Forty-eighth New York, Colonel Burton, and other troops, were sent across from Camp Seymour in surf boats and barges, and  as soon as they could land and form started up the coast of Morris Island towards the front.,

FORT WAGNER AND CUMMINGS' POINT OPEN FIRE.

They soon got under fire from Cummings' Point and Fort Wagner. This was the first time the New Hampshire Seventh was ever under fire; but they exhibited no signs of fear. One shot went through two companies, wounding several; but the unwounded ones stood as unmoved as if they were in perfect safety.

CAPTURE OF ANOTHER BATTERY.

There still remained one battery two miles down, mounting an old United States eight-inch seacoast howitzer, which the rebels worked as rapidly as possible, trying to retard the advance of our victorious troops and protect the retreat of their own flying men, who, stripped of all encumbrances, were flying down the island at their fastest speed. Our advance charged on this and took it, and the gun was then turned on the fugitives and the forts to which they were retreating.

GALLANTRY OF GEN. STRONG.

With Gen. Strong and staff at their head, the advance kept on long after they got under the rebel fire. The General, after he got his ducking, pulled off his riding boots to pour out the water, and was to eager to get on to stop and put them on; so he headed the charge with only stockings on, and in that state led the troops on over hot sand ridges up the beach, across shell banks and oyster beds, regardless of the style of footing. This conduct pleased the troops amazingly. They doffed their hats occasionally and shouted in enthusiastic admiration. When a point as near to Forts Wagner and Sumter and Cummings' Point as was prudent was reached General Strong disposed his forces so as to make them most efficient and at the same time safest and most comfortable. Skirmishers were thrown across the neck of land between the sea and the marsh, troops were drawn up in reserve under shelter, and spare regiments were placed in the rebel camps.

THE TOPOGRAPHY OF MORRIS ISLAND

is somewhat peculiar. All the maps show its shape with sufficient accuracy to give a good general idea, but do not describe the nature of the surface. On the opposite side from the seacoast is a long marsh, stretching from end to end, intersected by creeks, which alone separate Morris from James Island. This marsh composes the larger part of the island. The traversable and tenable part is very narrow, sometimes not a quarter of a mile in width. The first two miles is made up of immense sand bluffs and deep ravines, with occasional intervals for camps. On the upper range of these bluffs the rebels had their principal batteries, covering Folly Island, the approaches from the sea and General Strong's landing place. Two miles down was the last of these high bluffs, and on the last two the rebels had their last batteries, except those at the lower point. Within these large bluffs above were the encampments of two or three companies, and just below and to the left of the last one their principal camps. Below the lower battery the bluffs became lower, but the ground continued very uneven for a mile or two, and then came a marshy tract, with several buildings on the right, some of which were set on fire, and probably contained commissary stores. On a neck of land, from three to four miles up the island, was Fort Wagner, and on the extreme point, almost out to Fort Sumter, the  celebrated Cummings' Point battery. The fire from these forts and Fort Sumter all swept up the island to the howitzer battery without difficulty.

THE REBEL BATTERIES.

The rebels had eleven batteries in all on the bluffs. Each gun was mounted en barbette on traverses, so as to point in any direction. The only battery provided with a magazine was one on which no gun was mounted, next to the last one. The pieces captured were as follows: -

Three ten-inch seacoast mortars.

Three rifled siege guns, one of them a Parrott.

Five large smoothbore guns, eight and eight and a half inch.

It was also reported that the rebels had a Whitworth gun in one of the batteries but I saw none such there, and I visited every one. The report that they carried off one with them must also be incorrect, for they had not time even to carry away all their gold watches and personal valuables.

THE CAMPS
presented a scene of great havoc. Tents were torn by our shells, pools of blood and gory clothing were frequently seen, occasionally a dead rebel was found, and there were many wounded. The camps were covered with fragments of shells and deep holes where they had burst. The tents were in great confusion, where trunks and packing cases had been hastily overhauled, and goods from the stranded blockade runner Ruby, were mixed all up with equipments and bedding and apparel. Some tents were undisturbed. Parties were beginning to arrive for plunder, and the nary boys soon found something was up, and began to load themselves with plunder. Tobacco, toilet articles, blankets, books, and other articles were easy to find all the forenoon. Swords, revolvers, rifles and gold watches soon became rare.

THE REBEL LIEUTENANT BEE.

In front of one tent was Lieut. Bee, cousin of the rebel General Bee, with seven bullet holes in him. He still had his senses, but was in a dying condition. At other tents were prisoners, with guards over them.

THE REBEL FORCE
on the island was probably about two thousand, exclusive of the two uncaptured garrisons. The Twenty-first South Carolina, Colonel Graham, and the Seventh South Carolina, Colonel Graham, and the Seventh South Carolina battalion constituted the infantry force. Then there were three companies of the First South Carolina artillery. Had they been plucky they might have done us more damage; but ten times their force could not have withstood our bombardment. When they saw their flank turned by the capture of the rifle pits they were seized with terror; whereas, had they remained ten minutes longer they might have mowed down the ranks of the storming party with grape and canister, and possibly have  repulsed them by a desperate resistance of the bowie knife against bayonet style the South Carolinians like to brag about.

OUR CAPTURE.

Our capture of firearms, blankets, tents and other articles were very numerous and valuable.

LIST OF THE OFFICERS CAPTURED.

The following is a complete list of the officers captured. I am indebted for it and for many other favors to Lieutenant Colonel Hall, the efficient Provost Marshal General of this Department: -

Commissioned Officers.

First Lieutenant J. M. Woodward, 21st South Carolina.

Third Lieutenant A. P. Craig, 21st South Carolina.

Captain Wm. Clyburn, 7th South Carolina battalion.

Second Lieut. J. G. Heyward, 1st S. C. artillery.

Surgeon Preshy, Post Surgeon.

Lieutenant John S. Bee, 1st South Carolina artillery, wounded in seven places - mortally injured.

Capt. J. R. Macbeth, 1st South Carolina artillery.

Capt. R. G. Howard, Co. L, 21st South Carolina.

Surgeon R. B. Hannahan, 7th South Carolina battalion.

Surgeon C. Hapwald, 21st South Carolina.

Acting Assistant Surgeon W. R. Coldwell, 21st S. C.

The total enlisted men captured, including those on the Cosmopolitan, one hundred and thirty-nine. Officers, including surgeons, thirteen. The list does not include nearly all the wounded that fell into our hands and were taken to the hospitals.

STATEMENTS OF THE PRISONERS.

They give a doleful account of their treatment since they have been on the island - fatigue duty all the time, tyrannical officers, food only fit for swine. They were a cadaverous looking set, and their countenances fully sustained their complaints about ill feeding. In the camps, too, we found the meat in the commissary stores alive with maggots, and nothing else but corn bread about. The officers' messes, however, seem to have been supplied with fresh meat and vegetables and various delicacies. Many of the enlisted men professed Union sentiments, and all seem to rejoice at getting where they would be well fed and treated. Most said as much, and the others looked it. They state that the attack was a most perfect surprise, and took them while at roll call. They could hardly have been more astonished at lightning from the clear sky. In the camp, however, was found an order for all the women to leave  camp, dated the day previously. One of the officers, on being questioned about this, said that on that day an officer got a glimpse of a gun on our side; but they had no idea any extensive works were there, or that an immediate attack was contemplated. The force at Fort Johnston was said to be very small, and the rebels were afraid they should be forced to evacuate all the forts on Morris Island.

ABOUT THE REBEL OFFICERS.

Captain Macbeth, one of the prisoners, was found in a rifle pit, wounded. In the same ditch were the dead bodies of several rebel officers who were not identified. In one of the pits was the body of a fine looking man, evidently an officer, but with no straps on; and on his clothes was the name of Charles P. Haskell. Captain Mitchell, a son of the renegade Irish patriot, had command of the batteries, and narrowly escaped.

NARROW ESCAPE OF A REBEL DESERTER.

When Strong's brigade was charging on the rebel works a man rushed over their parapets, and the General blazed away at him, supposing he was leading a sortie, as he was seen to look back several times. He turned around and fled a few rods, but again wheeled and came towards us. He was allowed to come up, and proved to be a deserter from the rebels, with valuable information.

GENERAL GILLMORE AT THE FRONT.

General Gillmore left his headquarters at the observatory and came down to Camp Seymour in season to see the troops rush up the hillside. As soon as the batteries were captured he visited Morris Island. He was received with the greatest enthusiasm by the troops everywhere. As he walked down the lines on the beach cheers saluted him and complimentary salutations which he could not help hearing., He established his headquarters in the camp near the lower battery, within the enemy's easy range, but central and convenient. He soon visited the front and got a thorough understanding of the nature of all the positions. He was often under a fire of shells, bullets or solid shot, and had some narrow escapes; but neither he or either of the other generals or their staffs have been touched as yet.

GENERAL STRONG IN COMMAND OF THE ISLAND.

On Friday afternoon General Strong issued the following General Order: -

GENERAL ORDERS - NO. 1.

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES FORCES,

MORRIS ISLAND, July 10, 1863.

Pursuant to special orders of this date from headquarters, United States forces, Folly Island, S. C., the undersigned assumes command of the troops upon that portion of Morris Island captured this day by the United States forces. GEO. B. STRONG, Brig. Gen. Com. NAMING OF THE CAPTURED BATTERIES - FORT SUMTER TO BE CAPTURED.

He also issued the following: -

GENERAL ORDERS - NO. 2

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES FORCES,

MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., July 10, 1863.

1. The Morris Island batteries captured this day by the United States troops will be designated, exclusive of the two mortar batteries, in succession, from north to south as follows: 

No. 1, Battery Rodman.

No. 2, Battery Chatfield.

No. 3, Battery Jackson.

No. 4, Battery Strawbridge.

No. 5, Battery Emery.

No. 6, Battery Barton.

No. 7, Battery Dandy.

No. 8, Battery Putnam.

II. The most northerly mortar battery will be known as Battery Bunce, and the adjacent one as Battery McKenzie. 

III. It is expected that the salute in honor of the christening shall in due time be fired from Fort Sumter.

By order of Brigadier General STRONG.

ALVAH H. LIBBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

The batteries, it will be seen, were named in honor of the commanders of regiments that captured and held them, and of the two naval officers who assisted very materially. The closing clause of the order gave great satisfaction to all who read it.

FORT WAGNER.

The next position of importance to obtain was Fort Wagner. That obtained, Cummings' Point would be untenable, and we should have Fort Sumter at an advantage.

OPERATIONS OF THE IRON-CLADS.

The iron-clads came up and bombarded her during the day at medium range, and afterwards ran up right under Fort Sumter. Admiral Dahlgren was on the Catskill; the others were the Weehawken, the Montauk and the Nahant. They were all damaged somewhat, but not disabled. The Catskill was struck fifty-two times.

NARROW ESCAPE OF ADMIRAL DAHLGREN.

The top of her pilot house was injured, and a flying bolt went just over the Admiral's head. Many shells burst inside the rebel fort; but they did not surrender, and firing stopped by mutual consent at about five o.

PLAN TO TAKE THE FORT BY STORM.

During the evening a plan for taking the fort by storm was agreed on. It was a desperate measure, but all that was required was a brave storming party, well led. Lieutenant Colonel Rodman volunteered to take the advance with his battalion of the Seventh Connecticut. The only condition he made was that he should be well supported. That was promised him, and he entered into the project with much enthusiasm. His battalion were overjoyed at the opportunity to display their intrepidity and at the honorable positions given them. The regiments selected for the support were two fine ones, in which Generals Gillmore and Strong had great confidence, for they had behaved gallantly in the engagement of Friday morning - the Ninth Maine and the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania. General Strong had charge of the operation, but General Gillmore also gave it general supervision.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE ATTACK
was an anxious one. Those who were to make the assault slept as usual; but many who were to be lookers on could not sleep. Completely fatigued at midnight I lay down on the sand in the open air; but before I could sleep the preparations for the movement commenced. Regiments were silently called up and formed in line of battle: the storming party formed on the beach at a safe distance from the fort, and then came an anxious hour while we awaited the right moment for the assault. The stillness of death reigned around. It was quite dark. Lights were generally extinguished except at the hospital building, and a horse's tramp or the jingling of a sabre could be heard half a mile.

A HOSPITAL BREAKFAST.

While wandering about, half famished and very weary from the night labor, wishing the pieces of shells I trod on were eatable, I encountered Dr. Craven, the efficient chief medical officer, who, after providing faithfully for every wounded man, and superintending the removal of all from the field, had now got all arrangements completed for taking care of the new batch the morning's work would most likely produce. A servant had just caught a secesh chicken, and an old iron pot had been found. In fifteen minutes the doctor had a kettle of savory, nourishing, life preserving chicken broth, flanked by bits of broiled chicken. On this we breakfasted by a glimmering fire light, with bloody stretchers around us, and a yellow flag above us, gaining vigor with every mouthful. I shall never forget the breakfast I had before the bloody work of that eventful morning. 

TO THE FRONT.

Just then a staff officer came riding up to call General Gillmore and his staff to the front. They rode down to within a short distance of the fort where the troops were formed, and saw that all was right. The men all seemed in good spirits. The Seventh Connecticut were eager to be led on, and the other regiments were anxious to follow. Colonel Turner, chief of General Gillmore's staff, joined General Strong, who was to accompany the storming force.

A COLONEL SICK.

Rather a depressing influence was thrown over the Seventy-sixth by the arrival of a note from Colonel Strawbridge, who had been with them once that morning and was expected to lead them, announcing that he was confined to his  quarters by a sudden and severe illness. Colonel Strawbridge has too good a reputation as a gallant and brave officer for this to cause any suspicion of cowardice; but his illness was very unfortunate, for real sudden illness of officers just before engagements are apt to cause sham ones among the men. Major Hicks, however, a fine officer, remained with them as commander.

THE REBEL PICKETS DRIVEN IN.

The column moved on slowly and silently up the beach without arousing any one till they arrived within two hundred yards of the fort, when the pickets were encountered and driven in, thus notifying the garrison of the party approach. Now was the time for a

GALLANT CHARGE BY THE SEVENTH CONNECTICUT, and they made it. General Strong rode up to them at the proper moment and said, "Fire low, and trust in God! Forward, the Connecticut Seventh!" And away they went at a double quick. The fort opened with three eight-inch howitzers, heavily charged with grape and canister. Some of them fell, but only chance shots struck them, for the rebels could not see them. God save them from receiving such a round as that. The belching flames looked terribly; the ringing and rattling and humming of the missiles was terrible. There they go, pell mell, cheering and shouting. Another round comes at them; more fall this time, but they do not falter. A third round ploughs among them, but still the survivors press on, with the same glorious shout, with the same admirable enthusiasm. They are heroes, every one of them. Now they are under the works and jump or wallow through the ditch. The hand grenades do not stop them, nor the rifle balls, nor the notes of preparation within. Up the banks they clamber, and, with their old shout unsilenced, they stand upon the parapet - all who have not fallen on the way. Not a man has flinched. The gallant Colonel Rodman has been with them, or ahead of them, and stands on the parapet waving his sword and cheering with his men. We have the rebels now beyond a doubt - but

WHERE IS THE SUPPORT?

The Seventy-sixth, on the right, have advanced bravely at the proper time, and the Ninth Maine have followed with equal courage; but they did not so well escape the first round of the deadly grape, and they wavered. That staggering back instead of pressing forward decided the day against us. They lose their distance, and when they bravely rally it is just in time to receive another fire, which makes them dodge; for it looks infernal in the distance, and must be terrific to march directly up to. The next rally is not general. Some press on to the most, more rush back to certain death. There is little danger if they push on - almost certain death if they break up and retreat. Major Hicks leads the Seventy-sixth bravely, and some choice men followed him on to the parapet; but when he turns to look for his regiment, there it is, routed, with the Ninth Maine also retreating; and the brave Col. Rodman, as he receives a wound in the side which he supposes fatal, cries, "Where is the support?" and then, turning and seeing how he is desired, says, "A damned pretty support that is - the cowards are running away!" Reluctantly he draws off his men to prevent capture, and with  their ranks thinned by two hundred rifled muskets inside the fort they regretfully turn away, and the charges which did not touch them before now do fearful execution. They have nothing left but to run, and the three bodies go scattering down the beach, followed by the iron hail. Our victory, just as we had gained it, has been changed to a repulse. None of the dead and few of the wounded were brought from the ground. Colonel Rodman received a second wound in the leg, which broke the bone, but his men would not leave him on the field. His condition is promising, but his wounds are quite serious.

Little more was done during the day on our side except to commence the erection of some batteries, and the rebels were contented to throw a shell over among our pickets occasionally. The Nahant went inside and fired a few shots all round and the forts returned the compliment.

THE STRAGGLERS.

The greatest loss was in the two storming parties. Of the killed or missing in the Seventh Connecticut, many of the latter being wounded, and all are in the hands of the enemy. I do not think this battalion has a straggler out. From the other two regiments there are many stragglers, who are put down as missing. I have met many of both regiments since, scattered on Morris and Folly islands, either afraid or ashamed to go back. I do not wish to accuse these regiments of cowardice. Their conduct was no disgrace; but they made fatal mistakes, and on their next battle field must redeem themselves or their reputation is gone. General Strong has said no unkind word to one of them, though he felt the failure deeply. He still believes they are good regiments; but whether they deserve blame or not they will get it, and will be denounced by people who never saw a grape shot, much less faced a fire from a battery of howitzers loaded with it.

THE CASUALTIES.

The following are from official reports of the two days' losses in Strong brigade and some other regiments: - . . .

SUNDAY'S OPERATIONS.

The gunboats shelled the forts, and Fort Sumter and the Cumming's Point battery fired solid shot at the gunboats, and all the forts shelled our troops occasionally. We had made beginnings of extensive works by night, secretly, without discovery, and now continued them by day as secretly as possible.

CASUALTIES.

The One Hundredth New York had seven, the Third New Hampshire five and other regiments a few men wounded - none fatally, it is hoped.

DESTRUCTION OF A REBEL STEAMER.

The rebels had landed a working party of negroes and others on the inside of Morris Island, where they were intrenching. A transport steamer lay at a landing near by. Hamilton battery of regulars went down to a convenient point, and opened fire on them, first dispersing the working party and then peppering the steamer. The first shot disabled her and killed a man, according to the report of an contraband, who deserted to us; several more went through her, and we finally blew up her boiler. A large rebel steamer started down from Charleston to her assistance, but backed out and returned. 

A premature discharge of a gun took off the arm of one of the battery men, but we had no other casualties.

OPERATIONS ON MONDAY.

OUR CAMPS SHELLED BY FORT SUMTER.

On Monday the rebels began to notice our battery building, and had ascertained where the General's headquarters were. In Fort Sumter the big guns taken from the Keokuk had been mounted on the land side. Monday forenoon they opened on us, while the other forts shelled the pickets and working parties. The Sumter guns threw immense elongated shells, pitching them directly into the plaza where the headquarters are with remarkable accuracy. One shell burst near General Strong's staff tent, and an immense fragment buried itself in the ground just at the feet of Captain Harral, General Strong's aid-de-camp, who was standing at the entrance of the tent drinking a glass of lemonade. His tumbler was filled with sand, which was also thrown all over him. The correspondent of the Boston Herald was writing at a table, just inside the door, and his paper was covered with the flying sand. One piece struck close to Gen. Strong's tent, and other shells burst all around, but no one was hurt till towards night, when one man was killed and several wounded by a shell which burst in a group.

There were a few casualties at the front, but they are not yet reported.

THE DISABLED REBEL STEAMER BURNED.

This evening the rebel steamer which we disabled to-day was burned.

Our working parties of engineers and others are working well, and we are sure of Fort Wagner soon.

THE FLEET
will probably co-operate more extensively in a day or two. I have not pretended to give any details of its operations thus far, having confined myself to the more important movements of the land forces.

GENERAL TERRY'S DIVISION
is now landed on James Island, just above and nearly opposite the village of Legareville, or Legreeville, as it is corruptly called. They have been in no engagement as yet. Some rebel cavalry attacked our pickets one day, but retreated with two killed, without injuring us. Colonel Montgomery, with his black, brigade, is with this expedition. They were accompanied up but the Pawnee, McDonough and Nautucket Monitor. When the proper time comes they will strike, and I have no doubt give effective blows. General Terry is an accomplished commander, and has some fine troops with him. The General Hunter, while going up Stono river the other day, was fired at by a field battery, but not hit.

OUR PROSPECTS
are most favorable, and I feel sure my next letter will have news of further successes.

OFFICIAL DESPATCHES.

The navy sent a despatch boat, North on Sunday, with despatches from Admiral Dahlgren. General Gillmore had but a brief notification, and sent only a preliminary report. His regular despatches go by the same boat as this report.

THANKS.

I must here express my sincere thanks to Captain A. T. Dunton , Acting Quartermaster, who is located on Folly Island, at Stono Inlet, and has shown many courtesies worthy of mention. In the absence of Captain Wallbridge, Post Quartermaster, at Light House Inlet, Captain Dunton has charge of the Quartermaster's Department at stono. He is a gentleman and an efficient quartermaster.

Lieutenant Colonel Hall, Provost Marshal General, is very kind to the correspondents, and very efficient as a staff officer.

I am indebted to Captain Harral, of general Strongstaff for numerous courtesies.

The Hospital Arrangements.

I should make but a very imperfect report of these operations did I not devote some space to the excellent arrangements made for the care of the wounded. Dr. John J. Craven, Medical Purveyor of the department, was detailed as chief medical officer in the field, and proceeded there two days before the attack. He carried up a large number of suitable tents, ambulances, a sufficient assortment of medicines, hospital supplies, and articles furnished by the Sanitary Commission. His general hospital he located on Folly Island, a mile and a half from the front, in a fine location, and fitted up with all the necessaries and conveniences of a rendezvous for wounded soldiers. A line of ambulances was arranged to run down the beach to a point whence wounded men could be brought on stretchers. Efficient ambulance and stretcher corps were organized, and arrangements made for crossing to the front as soon as the island should be taken. The first boat which went over thereafter carried a whole field hospital, with Dr. Craven in charge, his horse swimming after the boat. The chief medical officer's able assistant was Dr. F. T. Dibble, surgeon of the Sixth Connecticut. He had charge of the general hospital in Dr. Craven's absence, and a corps of experienced army surgeons were stationed there. The wounded left by the storming party were picked up and promptly forwarded to the general hospital; the rebel wounded were also sent over, and Dr. Craven, with several surgeons and assistants, proceeded down the island to where the rebels in the lower forts were shelling our advance, and there established a field hospital, on a good location at the left of the line of fire, and well protected by a bluff if the yellow flag would not avail. Further back, near headquarters, was another field hospital. The wounded were promptly and well taken care of, and as soon as possible sent to the Folly Island hospital. Thence, when able, they were carried to Stono, placed on the steamer Cosmopolitan, and sent to Hilton Head general hospital, all without causing any fatigue or suffering. By noon on Sunday every wounded man, except those injured during the day, was on the steamer, his wounds dressed, clad is sanitary clothing, and as comfortable as possible. Dr. Craven deserves great credit. 

THE GENERALS.

Too much praise cannot be awarded to the generals now engaged in this movement. General Gillmore devotes himself constantly to the work he is about, dispensing with red tape and looking to practical results. The troops already esteem him as a shrewd strategist, a friend to the soldiers, one who will help them win victories, and not keep them doing the work of South Carolina slaves. General Seymour has been of great assistance thus far, and his services are almost indispensable. The dashing General Strong is loved by every man in his brigade, and they will follow him anywhere. Good generals are bringing about good results.

GENERAL GILLMORE'S STAFF.

General Gillmore has a most efficient staff, who have labored unceasingly, out of range and under fire. The following is the list: -

Colonel J. W. Turner, Aid-de-Camp and Chief of Staff.

Major Edward W. Smith, Assistant Adjutant General.

M. L. M. Burger, Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain Mordecai, Acting Chief of Ordnance, in the absence of Captain Todd, who is home on leave of absence, on account of severe illness.

Captain T. B. Brooks, Aid-de-Camp.

Lieutenant Henry Bragg, Aid-de-Camp.

Lieutenant Suter, of the Engineers.

Lieutenant F. E. Towne, Chief Signal Officers.

Lieutenant G. S. Dana, Signal Officer.

Lieutenant Colonel James F. Hall, Provost Marshall General.

Major Bannister and Major Stryker (Paymasters), Volunteer Aids.

GENERAL STRONG'S STAFF.

General Strong also has an efficient staff, who accompany him at all times. The following is the list: -

Inspector - Major J. I. Plympton, formerly of the Third New Hampshire.

Aid-de-Camp - Captain W. W. Harral, who served with General Strong at New Orleans.

Surgeon - Dr. S. F. Elliott, United States Volunteers, formerly of the Ninth Maine.

Acting Assistant Adjutant General - First Lieutenant Alval H. Libby, of the Third New Hampshire.

Commissary - Captain C. F. Wyman, of the Ninth Maine.

Quartermaster - First Lieutenant F. J. Magee, of the Seventy sixth Pennsylvania.

Signal Officer - Second Lieutenant E. H. Hickock.

NEGRO EXPEDITION.

Colonel Higginson, with the Second South Carolina, has been up to burn the Combabee bridge, as part of the general plan, to keep troops from coming from Savannah. A field battery stopped them, sinking the steamer Governor Milton, putting fourteen shots through the Enoch Dean, killing three negroes and one white man and wounding several, including Colonel Higginson. Two hundred and fifty negroes and lots of cotton were brought away.

THE SIGNAL CORPS.

The labors of the signal officers are usually important, and are brought particularly into requisition here. Stations were arranged by which constant communication can be kept up by day or night between headquarters and each end of the island, the fleet and detachments, as they moved. An efficient force was employed, embracing the following officers.

First Lieutenant F. E. Towne, Chief Signal Officer of the department, on General Gillmorestaff.

First Lieutenant G. S. Dana, also on General Gillmore staff.

First Lieutenant T. C. Vidal, with General Seymour.

First Lieutenant Hickock, with General Strong.

First Lieutenant M. M. Fenner, on ColtIsland.

Second Lieutenant C. F. Cross, with General Terry.

Second Lieutenant Paul Brodie, stationed on the Pawnee.

Second Lieutenant J. M. Head, at the Palmetto Station, in
front.

Second Lieutenant M. P. Hawkins, with General Terry.

Second Lieutenant N. S. Cooley, on Folly Island, at Stono.

Second Lieutenant T. Webber, at the main lookout.

Second Lieutenant T. Carrigue, at the White House.

These position have of course been changed since the occupation of Folly Island....

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