charlestoncivilwarletters

Civil War Letters
Charleston County

Conditions of War around Charleston

This collection consist of 3 letters from James Silva to Mr. Collins describing
the affairs of war around Charleston.

Contributed by...
Frank Berta
MrDoug3280@aol.com

James Island Sept 4th 1863

Mr Collins
Knowing that it will prove interesting to you, and having at present some leisure time,I will try and post you as to the condition of affairs in and around the good old city of Charleston. I suppose you are aware that the Chatham Artillery are and have been participants in the siege now progressing from it beginning to the present time. We received marching orders on 9th July last and arrived here on the day following where we have been ever since. At the time of our arrival, we found very few troops on this island and fears were entertained that the enemy might take the island as they had landed troops on it the number not being exactly known. Their movements fortunately proved a feint, for they made no advance which gave us time for the arrival of reinforcements. Mr. Gilmore made a great mistake in making Morris Island the point of attack, for had he landed all his disposable forced on this island, I have no doubt but that he would now be enjoying quiet possession of the city of Charleston. Fortunately for us, he continued his operations against Fort Wagner and with but little success, for from the time of their landing (9th July) to 19th, they have been twice bloodily refuted since that time they have not attempted another assault. On the 16th July the number of our troops on this island was deemed sufficient to act offensively. So on that day, before daylight, were put in motion two Napoleon guns which are worked by the right section of the Chatham Artillery, the section to which Lyon Alex and myself have the honor to belong, were sent on the right of the attacking columns accompanied by four other field pieces to engage the gunboat Pawnee (them lying in the Stone for the protection of troops on the island) while our land forces made an attack on the infantry. The other section of our battery, accompanied the middle column and another light battery went with the left column. The three columns being in readiness, proceeded by different roads to their appointed place and in the wood bordering the field where the yankee pickets were stationed, waited for the signal. At daylight the signal was given, so into the field we rushed, coming in sight of the Pawnee, we rushed up to within 600 yards unlimbered and commenced firing. She must have been taken by surprise, for it was sometime before she began to return our compliments. At length a flash from her sides gave notice that she had aroused from her slumber and was trying to make up for lost time but twas no use. The shell passed harmlessly over us. We were too near. She, however, seemed in a hurry to get out of the way, which she soon did. We then retired. We have since learned that she was struck some fifty times and several of the crew killed and wounded. In the mean time, the infantry advanced and soon drove the enemy from the field. The order was then given to retire as the object of the movement ( a reconnaissance) had been accomplished. Some thirty of the enemy were killed or taken prisoners. Subsequent events go to prove that had we followed them up, that we would have captured the whole party. The enemy evacuated the island that night in great haste leaving behind a quantity of provisions and ammunition. Most of our troops secured plunder in the shape of coffee ham biscuits etc. I went down the day following and found a nice india rubles blanket and some other little items. From that time to the 29th July, everything passed quietly enough with us. On that day, we receive orders to send 30 men to Fort Wagner. The detachment was made up Lyon Alex and myself in it and was sent over and remained there seven days, when we were relieved and returned to camp fortunately without the loss of a single man, though not a day passed that did not number its killed and wounded. About two weeks after, thirty more men were sent from our company. They too all returned safely. On 26th Aug another squad, the same that went before, that is my squad. Since the enemy have erected their batteries commanding Sumter communication with Morris Island has been kept up at night by the aid of small boats which usually leave from Fort Johnson. We went over in this way, and on our arrival at Wagner, learned that the enemy had just obtained possession of our rifle pits and picket lines about 250 yards in front of the fort capturing some 60 of our men. When daylight arrived, to the astonishment of all, it was discovered that the indefatigable yankee had thrown up a breast work across the whole island and they continued to strengthen it during not withstanding a heavy fire was opened on it. You could see the dirt rolling over all along the line but could not get a glimpse of the busy hands thus occupied. Their sharp shooters soon set to work picking off our gunners and so successful were they, that we had to desist from firing. If a man but exposed his head to sight, the gun a bullet would almost certainly be put through his head. The General in command, had a ball put through the rim of his hat. At night, a heavy fire was kept up on our side to prevent their working but with little effect, for daylight disclosed another line of entrenchments nearer the fort and running obliquely to the beach the nearest end being about 100 yards from the fort, and so they go on they are still digging and will dig right into the fort in spite of all we can now do. We were relieved on the night of the 2nd instead and again arrived at camp without the loss of a man. The duty to which we were assigned was not so dangerous as that to which the heavy artillery and infantry are exposed. We had charge of two field pieces on the left flank of the fort which were reserved for use in case in case of assault. At daylight we have to dismount the pieces to prevent the enemy seeing them for could they see them, their big guns would soon knock them to pieces. At dark we remount them and there stay until daylight again no matter how hard the bombardment. We fired them through the night about every ten minutes. During the day we had nothing to do. Seven days service at that place will use up any man. You loose sleep all night and get very little sleep in the day as they are expecting an assault at any time. The fare to is pretty hard, four hard biscuits and five ounces bacon (fat) a day. It appears to me that affairs have been very badly managed, there is lack of systems, a permanent head is necessary. Instead of having a permanent commander, they are relieved every fourth or fifth day. These men being in command only a short time say to themselves well my time will soon be up there is no use in my having this or that done as the next man will attend to it and so things go on. Many things that could be done for the security of the fort are thus neglected. I will cite you an instance that will contrast very unfavorable with the energy and industry of the Yankee. Our rifle pits, as they were called, were natures own hills with holes dug in them by our pickets to dodge from the shell of the enemy. They did not extend near across the island and could be easily flanked, yet we seemed satisfied with them. The enemy did take them by flanking them and lo in less than (8) eight hours they had a heavy breast work across the whole island. Comment is unnecessary. We should have had at least a dozen mortars on the island. The enemy then could never have made the progress they have made without great loss of life and then their advance would have been very slow. Instead of that, we have but one and that was never used until recently. Horizontal firing can do but little harm to those working behind embankments. Mortars are the things to drop the shell in among them. It is true we have a mortar battery on James Island of two mortars which keep up a constant fire, but the distance is too great for accurate firing and men have been killed in Wagner from that same battery. Again, we have had time to construct bomb proofs on the island sufficient to shelter as many men as we choose to keep over there. Yet nothing of the kind is done or has been done and we are daily loosing men because there is not sufficient protection for the men. The bomb proof at the fort will accommodate? one thousand men and very uncomfortably too as they are not ventilated (I never went in one during my stay there) as we had a very good place to stay in the sally port) The garrison is always over one thousand and the balance of the men, when not on duty, go to the sand hills between Wagner and Gregg and there shelter themselves as best they can in holes dug in the hills. I could mention many other things but have already said enough. Judging from the way things have been managed, one would suppose that it was not the intentions of the authorities to hold the place much longer. A great deal has been gained by holding it this long for we have had time to erect batteries on James Island and other places which made our positions much stronger. Our policy, I think, ought to be evacuation. The Yankees will have the place soon anyhow if we do not leave it. I hope our troops may all get off safely. They all seem to have a dread of the place and are in constant suspense during their stay. They would ten to one rather go into a pitched battle than stay on an island as they are situated. I send you a little sketch of the harbor and relative positions of the batteries as to the number of guns on them. I do not know, it will give you an idea of how they stand, also an enlarged sketch of Morris Island and a Monitor. I have seen enough of them and their fifteen inch shells. I was at Wagner at the time they made the night attack on Sumter and witnessed the whole fight. The New ironsides, though more vulnerable that the Monitor, is worth a dozen of them for her firing is more rapid and accurate. The Monitors fire very slowly and not very accurately. I think they are commanded by the greatest cowards in the world. They come up and stand off about 3/4 of a mile and fire away from their patent iron safes and as soon as a shot comes any where near them, they sneak off like a frightened cur. Old Sumter is a shapeless mass of ruins. It puts me in mind of an old brick kiln which has just been opened to take out the bricks. The place is of no use to us and can be of none to the enemy as he can never occupy it. This war has developed important information which the whole world will reap, the benefit of at our expense. Brick fortifications will be things of the past and will give way to the more humble but less unpenetrable one of earth. The idea of breaching a fort at the distance of two and five eights of a mile and throwing shell five miles would not have suggested itself to any one as practicable until its recent accomplishment has proved it so. Well big guns is a game that two will be able to play at and though we have not so many yet, we have two a little bigger than the yankees can boast of. The steamer Sumter brought from England two huge guns. They are 16 feet long and 12 3/4 inches in the bore and rifled. The projectile weighs between six and seven hundred pounds. The gun will throw a ball seven miles but five miles is the effective range. This you may rely on, as one of the guns is now in Charleston and will soon be mounted on the battery. Woe to the "iron clad' that comes in the way of one of those balls "Iron Clads" with the heavy ordinance now used, occupy the same relative positions that wooden ships and thirty two pounders used to do. The cost of a navy will be so immense that the advantage will be on the side of the wealthiest nation. Were all the nations of the world equal, it would be as well to go back to first principles (wooden vessels and thirty two pounders---Well I do not think Charleston in immediate danger of being occupied by the yanks. Morris Island is not the route to get there. They may shell the city from the place, but can never take it by that means. James Island is the key and they will have to bring a larger force to take it that is larger than they are supposed to have at present. Charleston is safe for a while yet. The war drags slowly along and with as little indication of being near its end as ever. I regret the two years of separation from my family which I have had to endure more than any hardships or any other sacrifice that I would be called on to make. Yet the object in view, if obtained, will fully compensate for all sacrifices. It is hard for me and yet much harder for the loved ones at home to bear. Their anxious hearts are always in suspense always imagining some threatening danger lurking near me and then the thought, What if he is lost to me? What will I do? My only hope and stay on earth. What is to become of the widow and orphan? and kindred thought must often make them miserable. The women of the Confederacy by far suffer the most. Our prospects again brighten confidence is again returning even to the most timid. I have never doubted. If the people are only true to themselves all will work well. No shaking of the knees and talk of reconstruction must be countenanced not if we should loose one hundred Vicksburgs. A long pull, a strong pull and a pull all together will set up the edifice and we will stand before the nations of the world a nation with as proud a history and a name as any in the world. The question is reduced to slavery or liberty would that every one could realize it an act accordingly. Our boys are all well and send their respects. Perhaps you have not head that Millie was wounded in the fight at Brandy Station recently. A ball entered his left arm, fortunately not injuring the bone very seriously. He went safely through the Pennsylvania campaign. He is now at home on furlough. I saw Jimmy and Marion while in Charleston about a month ago. They seemed to think, as do most of the people of Charleston, that the city was lost. Lyon joins me in kind regard to yourself and family . I hope your business is prosperous and that it may prove very profitable. I have about arrived at the end of my street so must end

Yours Respectfully
James S. Silva

James Island, Nov 22nd 1863

Mr. Collins Dear Sir

As some time has elapsed since my last letter to you. I have concluded to write again and know your desire to be fully posted in events transferring localities etc. I will make this the medium of transferring to you a few sketches which I have made and which I am assured from former association with you will prove interesting. I will commence at the "big gun" and from that pass on to the rest relating particulars connected with each which will please you fully up with myself in a knowledge of them as well as pen and ink can convey the ideas. Well after sometime of anxious expectation big gun No 1 made its appearance in Charleston. The many stories of its huge proportions caliber etc - contrary to my expectations - in the main proved correct. The thing was got into position and fired but owing to the ignorance of those to whom it was entrusted it was bursted or rather seriously fractured at the breech and is past all curing no matter what newspapers may say to the contrary. At first there were so many conflicting reports that it was very difficult even for persons in its immediate vicinity to know whether it was actually bursted or not. A trip to Charleston and I walk to the battery revealed to me that melancholy fact that big gun No 1 was no more to be feared by Lincoln's fleet. Soon after this mishap the arrival of No 2 was chronicled. General Beau regard warned by the fate of No 1 had it subjected to an experimental test under the supervision of some more careful individuals. No 2 passed muster was pronounced a perfect success and is now being placed in position below the new-customs house on the Cooper River and will soon be ready to speak in defiance of the city should the Yankee Iron Clads ever be rid of the fear which even the ruins of Sumter seems to inspire them and make an effort to enter the harbor. The drawing is perfectly correct as I made it from actual measurement. Enough of the "big gun". The little steamer David next demands our attention as she is an object of considerable interest since her recent partial (but by no means insignificant) success against the Iron Sides ( the Goliath of the Yankee navy) I suppose you have long since read an account of the affair therefore I will not weary you with a repetition of it but will confine myself to a description and my opinion of her. The David as you will perceive is shaped like a cigar and built of wood. Since her last trip she has been plated with 3/8 inch iron (that is the portion above water) to guard against musketry. Four men is a full crew and they can be safe under the iron hatches from all but cannon balls. A pole about twenty feet long is attached to the bow hinged that it may be raised or lowered at pleasure. On the extream end the torpedo is placed which is exploded when desired by pulling a string which causes a hammer to descend upon a percussion cap thereby communicating fire to the powder and consequently an explosion. I believe that the David in the hands of four resolute men would prove a more formidable antagonist to the Yankee "Iron clads" than any means we have of opposing them. So small a portion is exposed above water that the chances of hitting it is very small and before a monitor could discharge a second shot at her she could run into her and exploding the torpedo knock the iron Clad higher than a kite Marion Jones is now engaged building two other similar to the David. I saw an editorial in the ??Saih?? Republican stating that the iron sides was or would be a complete wreck. There is no truth in any such statements. It is believed that the iron Sides was considerably injured but not to such an extent as the Editor of the Republican seems to think. The economy of life even is one of these little boats was sunk would be much more than in any other offensive operations we could make use of. There was another torpedo boat which was brought from Mobile of which great things were expected. It was a submarine apparatus but after various experiments which resulted in the death of these men (five at one time and eight at another) the devil as it was called was laid on the shelf. The siege of Charleston has grown monotones. The enemy keeps up their fire on the ruins of Sumter but with less vigor as if they are tired of the endless job. Sumter is ours and will be in spite of all the Yankees can do. Bomb proofs have been constructed that will safely protect three hundred men (the number we keep there) I am also told that we have three guns in position that will make the Iron Clads howl should they attempt to pass up. Old Gillmore as if maddened by the dogged resistance of Sumter has commenced throwing shell into the city and throws from ten to fifteen a day as if fearful to use his guns too rapidly and thereby wearing them out. As far as I can learn there has been no material damage done and none of the shell have gone higher up than Queen Street. This seems to be the extreame range. As for the "Greek Fire" which the whole Yankee Nation have been holding over the head of the rebellious city it has so far proved to be a great a hummbug as the Yankees themselves. What they will get up next it is hard to tell. they have accomplished all they can by the possessions of Morris Island and will now have to try something else if they expect to get to Charleston. It will never do for them to come by the way of James Island without fifty thousand troops and we know they have not got that many. General Beauregard has fully attoned for past neglect. This island is now in a splendid state for an easy defense. Under the administration of General Pemberton when gun boats were the great bug bear the old line of works extending seven or eight miles was constructed. In fact so impressed with the idea that gunboats were invulnerable was this General that he advocated the policy of abandoning the seaboard entirely. He abandoned Coles island the key to this and threw up dirt out of range of the much dreaded gunboats. Beauregard seemed to be very well satisfied with these works until the recent demonstration which resulted in this loss of Morris Island, since then he has had thousands of negroes busidly at work and with good results. He has had constructed the new line of works which shortened the line four miles quite an important change. This line rests its right on battery Pringle on the Stone, and the Secessionville battery on the left. Battery Pringle and Tynes are both new works. Fort Pemberton being the only work on the Stone before. The new line is the best constructed that I ever saw. It is a continuous heavy earth work with fort mounting seven guns at intervals of 1/2 or 3/4 of a mile. Between these forts are platforms for light artillery it is I expect a complete as any in the Confederacy. This line restricts the enemy to a much smaller space than they have heretofore been when on this island, and while these improvements have been going on, those at the eastern end facing Morris Island have not been neglected. Heavy batteries have been thrown up and ample bomb proofs made. The same has been done on Sullivan's Island and mount Pleasant and every place where a battery could be placed to advantage there one has been made. You could hardly imagine the improvements made on earth works since the beginning of the war without having seen those which were then built and those of the present day. Why a common line for infantry is now fully equal to if not superior to those which we first relied on to fight ships of war. I suppose you are aware that my family are now staying at Whitesville. The health of our youngest rendered a move necessary . So I left the whole affair to the judgment of my wife. Lyon Alex and the boys generally, my self included, are enjoying first rate health. Our camp is on a little creek which affords us a chance to get oysters and we avail ourselves of it frequently. We have a roast two or three time a week. Our mess numbers eleven and as we have no cook we do our own cooking and do it very well two men of the number cook each day is there respective turn. We are very comfortably located where we can bet plenty wood and water. I would much prefer our old camp at White Bluff as we miss the fire sport of trout fishing and an occasional visit to Savannah. Otherwise, we are all pretty well satisfied. We spend one week of every month at Fort Johnson on picket duty. Our guns are first in position behind the earth works to be used against the enemy in case of an assault on Fort Sumter or against Fort Johnson. Perhaps we may be ordered back to Savannah as there are rumors of an intended attack against that place. The chief point of interest now is Chattanooga. All hopes of recognition seem to be at rest and I believe the people begin to see that they will have to work out their own salvation unaided by foreign powers. I am glad of it. Remember me kindly to Mrs Collins and all the family. I saw Jimmy in Charleston last week. he told me that he had been up to Forsyth and had seen you. I also saw Mr. Ringley. He is staying in the ship yard. His youngest child died recently. I hope that your Chemical works are working well.

Respectfully Yours
James.

James Island Dec 29th 1863

Mr Collins.

Our stopping place is still on this lonely island without the privilege of beholding one of the fair sex. This place though once thickly peopled by thriving farmers and their families is now desolate. the inhabitants driven from it by the rude alarms of war and the pleasant farms and dwellings left by them have been sacrificed to make shelter for our soldiers. Most of the houses have been torn down and have reappeared in the shape of huts on all the camp grounds. Fences have disappeared and the once fruitful fields overgrown with briars "Tis hard that ole homestead should thus be destroyed and the ends to be observed hardly justify the destruction. Yet such is war and it leave it track whether from friends or foe. The destruction of property however is the least of all the evils incident to war. Money can replace it but the valuable lives lost and the demoralization of the people are injuries that an age will not repair. War is a great curse and fruitful of crime and the one in which we are present engaged is by no means an exception. Men in the Army (speaking generally) have lost all idea of right in property and appropriate whatever they can lay hands on, even men in the same company will steal from their fellow soldiers. Clothing, eatable, cooking utensils, nothing is safe without well looked after. What a flood of villains will deluge the land (both North and South, after the armies are
disbanded. The morals of those not in the army have in doubt been equally affected if we are to judge from the heart felt speculations and extortions that are practiced from day to day duty, Patriotism all seem to have been swallowed up by the greed for gain. What is to become of the country if this state of affairs is not remedied. Our currency seems to be sinking lower and lower and what the cause! Speculation It is useless to say more on the subject. A remedy must be discovered and applied speedily or repudiation and ruin must be the final result.

Your letter I received. Your complimentary remarks are modestly appreciated. I would like very well as position in the department you suggest but lack the influence to procure an appointment. Influence is another great evil to our country. Capability is not the question. Influence procures positions whether the parties are capable or not. I can safely assert that these are now in the ranks as privates, men who would fill the places of two thirds of the officers now in command with greater efficiency. Since writing your last, we have built a log hut and use now snugly domiciled. A fire place too graces one end of our rude though comfortable abode. Think of that for a soldier. A house with a chimney. It recalls the happy days of my own fireside when we gather around the cheerful fire. When will I again enjoy that happiness. Echo answer When. I receive a letter from my wife a week before yours came to hand in which she mentioned that she had sent the note from your letter you seem not to have received it.

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