War 1861–1865

In this section we selected material pertaining to several battles including the First Manassas, the Battle of Fort Donelson, the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Battle of Gettysburg. This section includes correspondence from Union commanders leading ground forces as well as naval operations off the coast of South Carolina. Material from our Manuscripts collection includes a letter from Robert E. Lee to General Beauregard from Drewry’s Bluff, and photographs and stereographs by George N. Barnard documenting the aftermath of the Battle of Chattanooga and the Atlanta Campaign. Barnard was the official war photographer under the command of Captain Orlando M. Poe, Chief Engineer serving under General George Tecumseh Sherman.

We also highlight Lincoln’s appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as Commander of the Union Army and a letter from Robert E. Lee to Grant expounding his views on slavery. The high casualty rates at battles during the Peninsula Campaign, at Shiloh, and later at Antietam shocked the governments, armies, and home front populations on both sides, demonstrating that the war would be more difficult and bloodier than the enthusiasts of barely a year earlier had predicted. The high casualty rates prompted Congress to pass the Draft Law which resulted in protests and ignited the New York Draft Riots of 1863. Archival material is featured documenting what was happening at West Point including West Point’s response to the New York Draft Riots of 1863, the Superintendent's correspondence concerning instruction and the performance of the Parrott guns, appointments, and events in support of President Lincoln’s directives and Union army successes in battle.

Material covering 1864 and 1865 includes correspondence between President Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, and from General Robert E. Lee to General P. G. T. Beauregard, Grant's letter to Major General Halleck pertaining to amnesty for Robert E. Lee, and General Gordon Granger’s June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth) Order No. 3, informing the citizens of Texas that the institution of slavery is abolished. This section culminates with a letter from General Sherman to his USMA classmate and Confederate rebel Lawrence Sewall Fremont concerning the post-war tensions between the North and South.

Amiel Weeks Whipple Map of the Battle of Bull Run (or First Manassas), July 21, 1861 

The First Battle of Bull Run, also called the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861) was in many ways a wake-up call for both sides. Although the West Point training of both Union and Confederate officers emphasized the model of Napoleonic warfare, neither of the newly formed, inexperienced armies could execute the complex tactical and operational maneuvers of the Napoleonic model. Union commander Brig. General Irvin McDowell planned to seize the train junction at Manassas, cutting off rebel supplies and opening the way to Richmond, but Confederate reinforcements arrived too quickly. McDowell’s attack on the 21^st called for rapid, well-coordinated movements of separate columns: -a plan beyond the capacity of his green troops. Both sides suffered high casualties including some from friendly fire. Confederate defenses prevailed, and though their losses left them too disorganized to pursue the Union retreat, the victory boosted their morale. Both sides began organizing a war that they realized would not be so easily won. Amiel Weeks Whipple’s map, prepared to accompany the official report of Brig. General McDowell, shows the initial Union plan and Confederate defensive positions. The blue-colored columns towards the left of the map show McDowell’s intended main attack, an attempt to turn the Confederate left flank.

Eugene B. Beaumont Letter Book Entries for July 1861

Maj. Stewart Van Vliet
McClellan’s Staff

To Gen’l R. King Comdg Brig
In reference to one of the
frequent alarms about Wash-
ington after Bull Run
The “Stones Command” re-
fered to was Stone’s Division
covering the Potomac from Point
of Rocks Md. down to below
Edward’s Ferry.

            G.K.

Stewart Van Vliet
To Rufus King of McClellan’s Staff
 

My Dear Genl:

                  In the absence of Major Williams I have opened your letters if in reply can only say that the alarm comes from the other side of the river.
We received two telegrams from their side saying that the enemy was advancing in force on our picket. The General has gone over but as there has been no firing as yet I presume that there is nothing very serious to be approached there. The General I presume wants us to be ready, to turn out at a moment’s notice to meet the enemy should he attack in force at any point. I would suggest, though on my own responsibility, that your men should sleep in their tents, with clothes on & arms by their side, sent to turn out if required – My impression is that if the enemy is across the river opposite Stone’s command & strike for Baltimore—
We shall know before twelve hours are over – Take a good sleep & be prepared for whatever may turn up –

                                              Yours &c
                                               Stewart Van Vliet
                                               Major
                                     
Sent Rufus King
Army Brigade
Aug. 27, 1861

General Grant letter to C.S.A. General Buckner, Feb. 16, 1862

“Unconditional and Immediate Surrender”

The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 11–16, 1862, in the Western Theater, Dover, Tennessee.

Headquarters, Army in the Field
Camp near Fort Donelson, February 16^th, 1862.

Sir, Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant
                       U.S. Grant
                       Brigadier General, Commanding


General S.B. Buckner,
Confederate Army.                                   
Copied by me, October 29^th 1884.
U.S. Grant

Telegraph to General Joseph Mansfield, March 9, 1862

Telegraph informing General Mansfield that Union army rations are on board a commerce vessel ready for transport as soon as the “coast is clear.” Meanwhile, the U.S.S. Monitor and C.S.S. Virginia (originally the U.S.S. Merrimack) are engaged in battle off Sewell’s Point at the mouth of the James River. This first battle of the ironclads was also called the Battle of Hampton Roads.

Aide-de-camp Sgt. G. B. Cannon sent this telegraph to Mansfield from Fort Monroe, Virginia which the previous year had been under the command of General Benjamin Butler who used the fort to provide refuge for escaped enslaved people. In 1861, Butler had declared that escaped slaves were considered contraband and would not be returned to bondage. The fort became a safe haven for fleeing slaves and became known as "Freedom's Fortress." Several years later, on December 22, 1864, the 2^nd Regiment, United States Colored Cavalry mustered in at Fort Monroe aka Freedom’s Fortress. It is also where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned for two years after the war ended.

General Joseph Mansfield letter to his son Samuel, May 13, 1862

Special Orders No. 229, September 8, 1862

Transferring Mansfield to McClellan nine days before the Battle of Antietam. Mansfield will be mortally wounded at Antietam.

Harpers Ferry – 1862

General Robert E. Lee, Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Major General Lafayette McLaws, and Brigadier General John G. Walker lead Confederate assaults on the Union held garrison at Harpers Ferry. The first exchange of artillery fire took place on September 14, 1862. The Union army, outnumbered and short of artillery ammunition, surrendered the garrison the next morning, September 15, 1862. 

Ulysses S. Grant takes command, March 9, 1863 

Orders No. 10, April 30, 1863 - A Day of fasting and prayer

Gettysburg Campaign, June 28, 1863

The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The Union troops were victorious, dashing Robert E. Lee's hopes for a successful invasion of the North.

A post-Civil War letter from General Alexander Webb to Colonel C.W. Larned, 2 October 1909 includes this sketch of Pickett’s charge and a mark indicating where First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing fell. At the top of the page, General Webb also indicates that Confederate General George Pickett was behind the cordon.

Two Heroes of Gettysburg
Alonzo H. Cushing and George A. Woodruff

George Woodruff's Colt revolver

This revolver was used by Woodruff when he was mortally wounded on July 3, 1863, at the height of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg.

Approximately 38,000 Model 1861 Navy revolvers were produced by the Colt Firearms Company. Woodruff’s revolver, serial number 53, is one of the earliest known to survive. More important, Colt records reveal that it was one of eighteen revolvers sent by the company on June 14, 1861, to A.H. Dutton, another member of the USMA class of June 1861, who was acting as the class agent. Thus, 18 of the 34 graduates ordered revolvers from Colt. Woodruff scratched his initial “W” in the trigger guard, and carved “GAW” into the flap of the holster. The revolver’s condition indicates that it saw active use until Woodruff’s death at Gettysburg. 

Tully McCrea letter to his cousin Belle, July 5, 1863

Gettysburg Pa
July 5^th 1863

Dear Belle,

              I take a hasty chance tonight to let you know that I am safe. We were in a terrible fight on the 2d and 3^rd. Woodruff was killed. All the officers of A Co of the 4^th were killed and wounded. I am in command of that and my own company. Please write to Eliza and Sam Talbot. I have not time, as I march immediately.

              Yrs. in haste
              Tully.

Siege of Vicksburg, May 18 - July 4, 1863

July 4, 1863, C.S.S. General John C. Pemberton surrenders to the Union Army under Grant.

Letter from Major General Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, Headquarters, Department of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi to Major General James B. McPherson, Commanding 17th Army Corps, 1863 July 8 

Grant writes to McPherson to offer guidance on enforcing the terms of the Confederate surrender at the Siege of Vicksburg. Grant reminds McPherson that the terms of the Confederate surrender prohibit any Confederate prisoners from leaving Union lines until all are documented as paroled, and that Pemberton's acceptance of surrender terms means the Confederate government is bound accordingly. This original letter in Grant's hand has also been recorded in the official headquarters record book by his aide as well as having been transcribed and published in other works, but the interesting comparison to his aide's record and other published works is that Grant's original letter includes his immediate thought process as evident on page two of the letter with his inserted words, "until properly exchanged."

The capture of Vicksburg gives the Union complete control of the Mississippi River, a vital supply line for the Confederate states in the west. At Gettysburg, Lee begins his retreat to Virginia.

Head Quarters, Dept. of the Ten.
Vicksburg Miss. July 8^th 1863.

Maj. Gen. J.B. McPherson
Comd.g 17^th Army Corps.

Gen.
          There apparently being some misunderstanding between Lt. Gen. Pemberton and the paroling officers as to the method of conducting the paroling of prisoners I will give [overwrite] you the following rules for your guidance. That there may be no misunderstanding no prisoners will be allowed to leave our lines until all are paroled who will accept. Those who decline will be confined on steamers anchored in the stream until they accept

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and consent to march out with officers appointed over them. Declining this they will be sent North as prisoners of War to be held for exchange. When all those able to leave the lines are paroled, and the rolls are approved by Gen. Pemberton, or any officer designated by him, the whole will be required to leave our lines. Those declining to leave will be sent out under guard.

          Gen. Pemberton’s acceptance of the terms proposed to him binds the Confederate Govt. not to accept the services of any man who formed a part of this Garrison in the morning of the 4^th inst. until properly exchanged [inter-linear addition] The object of the parole is to make each individual feel the same obliga-

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tion.
                         Very respectfully
                                   U.S. Grant
                                   Maj. Gen.

New York City Draft Riots, July 13 - July 18, 1863

Special Orders No. 56, 57, and 59

Despite the victory at Gettysburg, the strains of a long war threatened Union solidarity.  Manpower shortages had forced the passing of an unpopular draft law in March 1863. As the first selection approached in July, violent resistance erupted in New York City. Many working-class whites blamed the cost of the war on African Americans, and on July 13 rioters began disrupting the draft, as well brutally murdering African Americans in the city. The Metropolitan Police Force could not stop the violence and most New York State Militia units were still away in Pennsylvania, having been sent to help repel Lee’s invasion. Authorities scrambled to pull together whatever forces they could, including the small garrisons from the harbor fortifications, U.S. Marines from the naval yard and others. The senior U.S. Army officer in the city, Maj. General John E. Wool, even requested help from West Point. A total of 64 regular troops and 3 officers from West Point were sent, where they assisted with restoring order until July 18.

Head Quarters Military Academy.
West Point, N.Y. July 14^th 1863.

Special Orders No. 56.

              Upon the requisition of Major General Wool contained in Telegram received this day, a Detachment of 59 men will proceed on the 1^st conveyance to New York under charge of Captain W. P. Chambliss, 5^th Cavalry, and First Lieutenant C. C. Parsons, 4^th Artillery, and report to Major General Sanford, at the Arsenal corner of 7^th Avenue and 35^th Street. The Quarter Master will furnish the necessary transportation.

                            By order of Colonel Bowman.
                               Edw.C. Boynton
                               Captain & Adjutant

 

Head Quarters Military Academy
West Point, N.Y. July 14, 1863.

Special Orders No. 57

1. . . First Lieutenant Robert L. Eastman, 6^th Infantry will proceed to New York City on business connected with the public service, on the completion of which, he will return to this post.

2. . . Corporal Quigly, of the Artillery Detachment, will proceed on the 8 o’clock boat tomorrow morning to the City of New York in charge pf Privates Reidy, Schmidt, Morgoller, Diller, f. and Robinson, and report to Captain P. Chambliss, 5^th Calvary in charge of the Detachment at New York Arsenal, corner of 7^th Avenue & 35^th Street, after turning over his charge, Corporal Quigly will return to post. The Quarter Master will furnish the necessary transportation.

                                By order of Colonel Bowman
                                   Edw.C. Boynton
                                   Captain & Adjutant


 
Head Quarters Military Academy
West Point, N.Y. July 17, 1863.

Special Orders No. 59

              First Lieutenant Jared A. Smith Corps of Engineers will proceed to the City of New York on business connected with the public service, - On completion of which duty, he will return to this post. The Quarter Master will furnish the necessary transportation.

                               By order of Colonel Bowman
                                  Edw.C. Boynton
                                  Captain & Adjutant

Superintendent Alexander H. Bowman letter to General Totten, July 23, 1863

Congress passes the Draft Law and initiates the Civil War Draft lottery in July 1863. The federal law mandated that all male citizens between twenty and thirty-five and all unmarried men between thirty-five and forty-five years of age were subject to military duty. Blacks were exempt from the lottery which ignited violent riots in New York City from July 13 - 18, 1863. To safeguard West Point, Superintendent Bowman requests that one company of the 1st Battalion Invalid Corps be stationed on Post as part of the Garrison. 

U.S. Military Academy,                                          
West Point N.Y. July 23rd 1863

[In margin]

Gen’l J.G. Totten                 
Chief Engineer                       
Washington D.C.                       

Sir,
      I respectfully submit to the expediency of obtaining the authority of the Hon. Sec. of War to station one company of the first Battalion Invalid Corps as a part of the Garrison at this Post. Of the Detachments now stationed here, but little need be expected of them as Soldiers. They are for the most mechanics and laborers not used to the musket or to Artillery, and the ordinary requirements of the Institution are such as to preclude the performance of both the duties pertaining to artisans and soldiers.  During the scenes of the past ten days in New York all the available men were ordered to that City by request of General Wool, leaving the Batteries & Magazines here expose[d] to Coupe de main from evil disposed persons, and creating apprehensions from the intimations conveyed to me that such an event, was, by no means to be considered an unlikely thing.                                                      
The return of the Detachment has not lessened my misgivings. The Engineer Barracks are vacant and offer ample accommodations for the increase proposed, and as a precautionary measure, in view of the state of the Detachment here, almost daily decreasing by discharges in consequence of the stoppage of the Extra pay ~ I respectfully advise the additional Force maintenance as necessary to the welfare of the Institution.

                   I have the honor to be,
                             Very Respectfully
                                     Your Obt. Servant
                       (signed) A.H. Bowman
                                     Col. & Sup of M.A.                                                                                        

Siege of Charleston, July 1863 - February 1865

It was not just Gettysburg and Vicksburg that saw major fighting in mid-1863; so did Charleston. Not only was it a major port through which weapons and supplies from Europe reached the Confederacy, but its capture would carry great emotional weight for many Northerners who saw it as the seedbed of secession. Union operations against Charleston started in 1862, but became earnest when Brigadier General Quincy Gillmore (USMA, 1849) took command of Union ground forces in June 1863. The campaign proved to be a testing-ground for many new technologies, including large-caliber rifled artillery, early landmines and sea-mines, the use of ironclad warships in coordinated shore bombardment, an early torpedo boat and submarine, and even an observation balloon. The campaign for Charleston Harbor was one of the engineering challenges punctuated by episodes of fierce fighting, such as the July assault of Battery Wagner, one of the key fortifications to the harbor defenses, where the bravery of African American troops (including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry) gained national attention. The Union effort depended upon joint operations, evidenced by Gillmore’s collaboration with his U.S. Navy counterpart Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren. West Point graduates were prominent on both sides, as one might expect given the Academy’s engineering curriculum. Although Union forces could not take Charleston in 1863, they did eventually force the Confederates to evacuate their forts on the barrier islands, effectively closing the port to blockade-runners.

Brigadier General Gillmore letter to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, August 23, 1863

Head Quarters Dept. of the South
Morris Island S.C. Aug 23^rd 1863

Rear Admiral Jno. A. Dahlgren
Comdg. South Atlantic Blockg. Squadron
Off Morris Island S.C.
                                    
My dear Sir.         I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday informing me that your contemplated attack on Fort Sumter, the night before was postponed in consequence of the grounding of the “Passaic”.
     I agree with you that the guns of the Monitor should not be expended unnecessarily on Wagner, but kept for the interior defenses of Charleston. I have entertained these views all along and expressed them to you in my letter of the 21^st inst.
     I consider the offensive power of Sumter entirely destroyed from todays firing. I do not believe they can serve a single gun. The “gorge wall” is breached the entire length, the debris in several places forming

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a practicable ramp from the level of the water, to the top of the ruins. Many of our shot go through and through both walls and plunge into the water beyond. Some of the guns from the gorge and the adjacent face looking towards Cummings Point, were doubtless removed to James and Sullivan Island, before the bombardment commenced, or during its progress. Advantage may be taken now of the darkness, to remove those that have been dismounted on the other faces.
     I desire to call attention to the project frequently discussed and deemed practicable by us, both, of investing Morris Island, as soon as Sumter should be rendered harmless, and starving the enemy into terms. I think that I can close communication on my left as far as to include Light House Creek,- Cannot picket boats be managed between the mouth of that Creek and your Monitors, so as to complete the investment? This investment ought not of course to interfere with your active offensive operations.
     If the wind goes down I will come out and see you today.

                                      Very Respectfully
                                              Your Obedient Servt.
                                               Q. Gillmore
                                               Brig. Genl. Comdg.

Received Aug. 24. 4 pm and so endorsed on Envelope returned by the bearer JH

Brigadier General Gillmore letter to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, August 26, 1863

As Dahlgren continued to look for a way to run his ships through the harbor channel and up to Charleston. Gillmore's troops had been using the new technology of calcium lights to affect the coordination between ground and naval forces, hindering Confederate defensive actions at night. Dahlgren was still keen to work on clearing the harbor obstructions; the cover of darkness would be critical for his boat crews on this special operation. He accordingly requested that Gillmore refrain from using his lights that night. Here, Gillmore writes back confirming he will help Dahlgren use the cover of darkness on this occasion and provide supporting fire.

Department of the South, Headquarters in the Field
Morris Island, S.C. August 26, 1863.

Admiral Dahlgren
Comdg South Atlantic Blockg Squadron

Admiral,
       I shall not light up to-night. I will
open fire on Sumter and keep it up till dark.

                           Very respectfully
                               Your obedient servant
                                      Q. A. Gillmore
                                      Brig General Commanding

Memorandum from Colonel J. W. Turner to Rear Admiral Dahlgren regarding the attack on Fort Wagner, Sept. 3, 1863

In early September Gillmore, having pushed his siege lines closer to Battery Wagner, prepared for another all-out assault. If he could finally take Battery Wagner, he could then establish artillery positions on the northern tip of Morris Island and provide stronger covering fire for Dahlgren’s ships to make their run through the channel and over the obstructions. Here, Col. John W. Turner (USMA 1855), Gillmore’s artillery chief, keeps Dahlgren informed of the plans. As it turned out, the Union forces never needed to launch their final assault on Wagner. Realizing the inevitable, Beauregard ordered Confederate forces to evacuate it on September 6. Turner’s communications with Dahlgren, nevertheless, underscored the intensity of planning and importance of coordination in joint operations.

Sep. 3. 1863
Col. J. W. Turner
To
J. A. Dahlgren

Enclosing: Memorandum of
Attack on Wagner

Memorandum

Fire to be opened in Fort Wagner at daylight the morning of the 5^th from all the land batteries, and to be continued without intermission till 9 Am (loss ratio) on the 6^th when the place will be assaulted. —
2d   The Navy to [remove?] the ‘Ironsides’ to Fort Wagner on the 5 & 6^th lessening her strength particularly on the last three in four hours on the morning of the 6^th —The monitors to be used solely in interrupting the Enemy’s communication for Cummings Point, to enter the channel as far as practicable of time— On the night of the 5 & 6. The Navy to furnish these

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in four launches with howitzers to operate from mouth of creek halfway between Wagner and Light House Creek, these in addition to those already there — to form a cordon beyond the mouth of the creek in the night of the 5 & 6^th to advance as far as the water will permit. The object of these launches being first to intercept the enemy sending our reinforcements to Cummings Point in war at Sumter second, to cast a calcium light on Old Rebel Battery by Means of which Cummings Point to be lighted, enabling our left batteries as well as the munitions to be used during the night on this Point.

Brigadier General Gillmore letter to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, Sept. 27, 1863

Although Dahlgren and Gillmore had worked together effectively earlier in the campaign, as the months wore on their relationship and ability to operate jointly had eroded. Separate army and navy assaults on Fort Sumter on the night of September 8-9 were entirely uncoordinated and failed. Gillmore continued to believe that his complete suppression of the Confederate artillery on Fort Sumter removed it as a threat to Union naval forces; Dahlgren disagreed and asserted that he could only risk forcing the harbor obstructions to run his vessels through the channel if Fort Sumter was physically occupied.  

Hd. Qu.  Dept. of the South
Morris Island S. C. Sept. 27, 1863

Rear Admiral J. A. Dahlgren
Comdg. S. A. B. Squadron                 

Dear Sir
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, asking me at what time my “batteries may be able to operate on Sumter,” & whether you can depend on my “driving the enemy out of it,” with a view to save the use of the monitors, of which “so much of their power has already been expended.” I will open on Sumter at any time you are ready to move, even tomorrow morning if you desire it. I judge from the general tenor of your letter, that the occupation of Sumter by us or its evacuation by the enemy, is deemed essential in order to secure the removal of the channel obstruction between it & Sullivan’s Island, and insure the success of the naval operations pending in their quarter. This is a condition newly imposed

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and somewhat grave in character. – That Fort Sumter possessed no power to harm the Monitors in their passage up the harbor, when our heading batteries ceased firing on the 1^st inst., is, I believe generously conceded. At any rate the enemy freely admit it in their public prints, deserters & prisoners confirm it, and two successive engagements, each of several hours’ duration, between the monitors and the Sullivan’s Island batteries, faild [sic] to draw a shot from Sumter, although she was within easy range of the fleet. You will doubtless remember your, also, own statement that it was not Sumter you feared, as its guns had been removed to Sullivan’s Island. It is known however that our single gun (a smooth bore 32 pdr) remained mounted in an embrasure looking directly toward Charleston, but it could not be brought to bear upon a vessel entering the inner harbor, until she got well into Rebellion Roads, considerably over a mile distant. What other guns the enemy may have

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placed there recently, taking advantage of the three weeks lull in the operations against him, is unknown to me. As to the outer channel obstructions & the practicality of their being removed the gun above referred to does not cover or protect them at all; and, according to the latest accounts, parties operating against them, would be exposed to no fire from Sumter except that of small arms. What they would be likely to suffer from the Sullivan’s Island batteries if discovered, you are doubtless as well if not better able to judge than myself. The fire from that direction would beyond question be immeasurably more severe than any that could be delivered from the ruins of Fort Sumter.- With regard therefore to our occupation of Sumter as preliminary and accessory to the removal of the outer obstruction, it becomes a mere question

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of the comparative loss of life, and prospect of success, likely to ensue from two distinct methods of operation, both having the same object in view, viz: the passage of the monitor by those obstructions... In other words the question is, shall we attempt to carry Sumter by assault, and hold it under a concentric fire upon all its faces from batteries within easy range, and occupying three fifths of the circumference of a circle of which Sumter is the center? or shall we remove the Channel obstructions abreast of Sumter while the latter is held by the enemy? It is easy to see which of these operations is attended with the greatest degree of peril, and the least prospect of success. I am myself willing to attempt the removal or destruction of the outer line of obstruction, rather than sacrifice men in carrying a work that possesses no power to harm our ironclad fleet, that has

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already repulsed one naval assault from small boats, that would be held with difficulty at the present time if we possessed it, and that must fall into our hands whenever the naval part of the programme before Charleston is carried out. All the means at my disposal, I am willing to expend freely & even profusely, in order to insure that measure of success which is expected of us. I am unable to see any real advantage in sacrificing life in order to possess Sumter just now. & I am ready to undertake the removal of such obstructions as are in any way protected by it. – I am just in the act of moving my Head Quarters to Folly Island, which has prevented my calling to see you today as I intended to do.

                                    Very Respectfully
                                      Your obdt Serv
                                         Q. A. Gillmore
                                          Maj Genl

Brigadier General Gillmore letter to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, Sept. 30, 1863

Here, Gillmore presses his claim that the army’s occupation of Morris Island and continued heavy fire on Sumter should provide sufficient support for Dahlgren’s vessels to force the obstructions and run into the harbor. As autumn wore on, Gillmore’s and Dahlgren’s tactical disagreement caused the pace of operations to stagnate. Though the port of Wilmington, N.C. remained open, and the Confederates held onto Charleston until shortly before the end of the war, a small gain for the Union was the successful occupation of Morris Island that at least closed the port to blockade runners. Nevertheless, the campaign had proved innovative technologies and demonstrated the effectiveness of African American troops.

Headquarters Department of the South
Folly Island, S. C. September 30, 1863

Rear-Admiral John A. Dahlgren,
Comdg. S. S. Blockading Squadron, off Morris Island, S. C.:

 Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday in reply to mine of the 27^th.
               I certainly did misinterpret the meaning of certain portions of your letter of the 26^th, especially where you ask if you can depend on my “driving the enemy out of Sumter,” and where you speak of Sumter being in “our possession” as preliminary to the contemplated operations against the outer line of obstructions.
               Your letter of the 29^th I understand. I am expected to do what I have made and am making preparations to do— open a heavy fire on Sumpter whenever the monitors are ready to move. I have several rifled guns on Cumming’s Point ready now, and am placing more guns there and some mortars. Five of the breaching guns on my left remain in readiness to open at the same time.
               Rifled guns cannot be safely used from Wagner while our troops occupy Gregg, as every projectile that turns is liable to drop into the latter work.
               I believe I can prevent any annoyance from Sumter to parties operating against the outer obstructions, and may be able to accomplish much more, even to the occupation of the work.
               I most cheerfully accredit to the ironclads much valuable co-operation in my operations here; but these operations have all had direct reference to the immediate end in view, the passage of these ironclads into the inner harbor.
               Every shot that I have fired, and every foot of trench that I have dug, have looked to that result, and have, I submit, been co-operation in the strictest sense of the term. It appears to me, therefore, that if no special request for "co-operation" has been made by you before, it is simply because the land forces had to take the lead in executing the first part of the programme, and there was, consequently, no occasion for any such request.
               It now is my time to play a subordinate part, and all the means under my control are at your disposal for that purpose.
               What I stipulate for is a continuance of that cordial, open, and sincere interchange of views that has characterized our efforts thus far.

           Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
                   Q. A. Gillmore
                   Major-General of Volunteers.       

Parrott Rifle Guns used during the Siege of Charleston

Reporting the results from testing the penetration and effect of shots and shells of Parrott guns that were used during the Siege of Charleston.

During the war, West Point faculty not only teach. Some like 1st Lt. Jared A. Smith and Capt. S.V. Benét completed technical research directly relevant to the Union war effort. In 1861, USMA graduate Robert Parker Parrott, superintendent of West Point Foundry near Cold Spring, NY patented a rifled cannon with a cast iron tube reinforced around the breech by a shrunk-on wrought iron sleeve. Parrott rifles were produced in several calibers, including field pieces and larger siege guns, such as the 8-inch (200-pdr.) tested here. Siege operations depended on guns like this, and Union forces used Parrott rifles of various calibers in the sieges of Port Hudson and Charleston during 1863. At Charleston, Union artillery demolished masonry fortifications but had trouble against earthen fortifications. Smith’s and Benét’s tests were therefore more than academic inquiry- they addressed immediate wartime concerns. It is also important to note that Parrott guns bursting was a real problem during the 1863 Siege of Charleston; not so much a question of whether a gun would burst, but when. Mostly this was a problem with the bigger guns. Some burst after firing as few as 30 rounds, others like the 30 Pdr Parrott rife featured in this section went over 4,000 rounds before it burst.

1st Lieutenant Jared A. Smith letter to Colonel A. H. Bowman, July 20, 1863

West Point N. Y.
July 20th 1863
Col. A. H. Bowman
Superintendent U. S. MA
West Point N. Y.

Sir;
     In compliance with your verbal instructions, the undersigned have made the necessary trials for ascertaining the penetration + effect of shot + shell, from the Parrott Rifled Guns, when fired into well rammed earth; and beg leave to make the following.
                                                              Report
   The "Butt" was made of earth, free from sand or gravel + compactly rammed.  The layers were at first not horizontal, but inclined downwards to the front.–  This was unavoidable, as in discharging their loads, the [carbs?] had to be driven upon the "butt" thus necessitating the inclination– After the first series of fires with solid shot from the 100 Pdr. the earth was removed to recover the shot + then replaced + rammed in horizontal layers.
   The base of the "butt" was 30 ft long, in the direction of the line of fire, and 20 ft wide, at eight angles to that direction– [A?] section in the prolongation of the line of fire, would cut out a cross section of

p.2 & 3

of an ordinary earthen parapet with an intruded superior slope- the exterior slope springing from a vertical scarp two feet high– The sides and rear of the "butt" were vertical + sustained by stout plank, firmly shored–
   The distance for the muzzles of the guns to the point of impact of the projectiles, was 24 yards. The accompanying Tables give the detailed results of the trials.
   For comparison, a round shot weighing 32 lbs with 2/5 its weight of powder was fired from the 100 Pdr. such a shot from that gun with 1/3 its weight of powder only, has attained an Initial Velocity of 1829 feet and yet the penetration is much less than with the rifle projectile–
    The appearance of the craters made by the 8 inch Rifle Shells, after the 1. 4 + 8 had been fired, are shown by the Photographs appended; for which we are under obligations to Capt L. Lorain, 3d Artillery
     It should be stated, that the earth removed, + replaced + rammed after each series of fires: each series comprising either all the shot or all the shell from our gun. 
     In the tables annexed, the column giving the penetration, gives the horizontal distance of the projectile from the point of impact, measure parallel to the line of fire.  
     In calculating the path described, this distance must be combined with the distances of the projectile, when found, above or below, and to the right or left of the line of fire–
     For instance, the penetration of the 3d shot from the 8 inch Rifle is 18 1/2 feet, but [illegible] that position in the "butt", the shot went 2 1/[illegible] feet below, and 4 feet to the left of the line of fire- The path described was therefore greater than the penetration given in the table

               S. V. Benét
               Captain of Ordnance
Signed
               Jared A Smith
               1st Lieut Engineers

[note: The Tables and Photographs Smith mentions have, unfortunately, been lost.]

30 Pounder Parrott Rifle, Model 1861

This Parrott Rifle, now on Trophy Point, was made at the West Point Foundry, Cold Spring, New York in 1863. It was mounted on Morris Island, South Carolina in January 1864 during the siege of Charleston. Unlike many other Parrott rifles, this one fired a remarkable 4,606 rounds on Charleston before bursting. Major General Quincy Gillmore’s history of the siege, published in 1865, documented this gun extensively with an illustration of the burst gun. 

100 and 200 Pounder Parrott Rifle Guns 

Confederate Torpedoes

An important element of the Confederate defenses of Charleston harbor, as well as many other defensive positions around the rebellious South, were mines. Both land mines and sea mines during this period were called “torpedoes.” Mine warfare was not entirely new in the 1860s; D. H. Mahan had already written about an early form of landmine. During the Civil War, however, technology advanced considerably. The Confederates developed several types of “torpedoes” which used both chemically activated and mechanically activated fuses. Among the most common was the “keg torpedo” shown below, developed by Brig. General Gabriel Rains, head of the Confederate Torpedo Bureau.

The keg torpedo pictured used a chemical ignition fuse; contact caused a small container to break mixing two chemicals that would set off the priming charge. When used as a landmine, a board might be placed over the fuse to widen the area covered making contact ignition more likely. Although this example was captured in Light House Inlet near Morris Island in August 1863, this type was also used as land mines in front of Battery Wagner.

Included with the image of the keg torpedo are supporting letters from Peter S. Michie and Arthur H. Burnham to Superintendent George W. Cullum, and although written several years after the attack on Fort Wagner, they provide descriptive information about the torpedoes that were used during the Civil War. Also featured are Peter S. Michie's drawings of several types of torpedoes. 

Head Quarters Dept Virginia
Office Chief Engineer
Richmond Va. Aug 18^th 1865

Brig Gen Cullum                                                                          
Supt U.S. Military Academy
West Point N.Y.                                       

General,                            
I have the honor to inform you that I have several torpedoes manufactured by the rebels to be used against us, which are curious and in-structive of this branch of defensive warfare. I would be pleased to send them with descriptive drawings to the Academy if you think desirable.   I am Gen, very respectfully
            Your obt Srvt
                   Peter S. Michie
                   Bvt Brig Gen U.S. Vols
                   Chief Engr Dept Va

Office of Chief Engineer
Department of Virginia
Richmond Va. August 28^th 1865

Brig Gen Cullum
Supt U.S. Mil Academy                                                                  
West Point N.Y.                                                  

General,
I have the honor to inform you that I have shipped this day through the Quartermasters Dept the following named Torpedoes.

         1 Electric Submarine Torpedo tank.
         1 River Torpedo in box No 1
         1 Boom Torpedo in box No 1
         1 Swaying Do in box No 2
         1 Percussion Do ““ No 2
         2 Current Do ““ No. 3.

I hope in a few days to send you drawings of these with explanatory notes.

I am Gen, very respectfully
            Your Obt Servt
                   Peter S. Michie
                   Bvt Brig Gen U.S. Vols
                   Chief Engr Dept Va    

Mobile Ala. Oct 21^st 1865

Superintendent U.S. Military Academy
West Point N.Y.

Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to you transportation receipts for Torpedoes &c &c. Sent you this day by the Q.M.D. from this place by Bvt. Major Wm S. Beebe of the Ordnance and myself, as fit objects to be placed in the “Trophy Room” of the Academy.
The large copper Torpedo was used as an armament for the prow of a boat, in the same way as Lieut Cushing of the Navy used his in blowing up the Ram Albemarle. The caps are “primed by inserting cannon-primers into the holes in the head of the river cylinder & screwing them up against the thin copper plate. The safety caps are only removed when about to be used.
One of the cases contains a True torpedo, part of the lock (the trigger) which I was unable to obtain or a fuller description than

[page 2 ]
this. It was a rod of copper or brass, with arms projecting at different points to enhance the chance of being struck. The lower end was contrived to hold the lock at full cock when the safety pin had been removed. This lock was soon rendered worthless by encrustations of Barnacles and has been but little used in the last two year, it having been superseded by the “Rains Torpedo” (contained in the other cases.) which is simply a wooden cask, the ends being sometimes conical in shape. This has been the most successful of any used by the Rebels depending of course on the means of explosion, which is the same as for the “Boat Torpedo” but on a smaller scale. I enclose two of them in the case. These were all captured in this city April 13^th 1865-

           Very Respectfully,
                  Your ob’d’t servant
                         Arthur H. Burnham
                         Bvt Major U.S.A.
                         Lieut of Engineers

The Battle of Chattanooga, November 1863

Special Order No. 112, November 25, 1863

Head Quarters Military Academy
West Point, N.Y., November 25, 1863
Special Orders No. 112

Tuesday the 26^th instant, having been designated by the President of the United States, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer—all labor in the Post other than the necessary will be suspended from Reveille until retreat. Evening call to Quarters will be sounded at the usual hour. Divine Service will be held in the Chapel in the presence of the Officers Professors Corps of Cadets and residents of the Post at 11 A.M.

Aside from the ordinary causes which call for the setting apart annually of a day in recognition of our Creator’s manifold blessings, we are in the midst of a Civil War of unequalled magnitude and severity, peace has been preserved with all nations, pestilence has been averted, agricultural and industrial pursuits have yielded increased renumeration, and never since we came into existence as a Nation, have we had more reason for gratitude to God for the magnitude and extent of his mercies. By his aid, the area of the rebellion has been circumscribed, treason has been rebuked, the spirit of anarchy has been subdued, foreign enmity has abated, and the loyalty of the mass of the American people has been demonstrated.

For these and other auspicious results, let us render thanks to the Giver of all good, and fervently pray for the restoration of these peaceable and fraternal relations, which for more than eighty years have coupled with the recognition of an American Citizen, a mutual feeling of respect and regard.

                By order of Colonel Bowman
                                 Edw. C. Boynton
                                 Captain & Adjunct.

President Lincoln letter, 16 December 1863

John Buford (USMA 1848) served as a cavalry officer in the Army of the Potomac under George B. McClellan and at Fredericksburg under Ambrose E. Burnside. After sustaining a bullet wound to the knee during the Second Battle of Bull Run in 1862, he continued to lead his cavalry divisions, playing a crucial role in the Union Army's success in the Battle of Gettysburg and the Bristoe Campaign, but his health was failing. Just before General Buford's death at the age of 37 President Lincoln in recognition of his military leadership promoted him to the rank of Major General. Buford is buried in the West Point Cemetery.

It is said Gen. Buford can not live through the day; and its suggested that he be nominated as a Major General.  
                                 A Lincoln
Dec. 16, 1863   

President Lincoln letter to Maj. General U.S. Grant, January 24, 1864

Lincoln’s letter to General U.S. Grant, (USMA 1843) asking Grant for the full name of John D.C. Hoskins (USMA 1868), so that he may be given an appointment when a vacancy occurs.

This letter exemplifies, that despite the intense responsibilities of commanding officers on the battlefield and the immense weight of the war on President Lincoln, soldiers’ performances were observed; potential military leadership was recognized and recommendations were submitted for appointments to the West Point Military Academy.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, January 27, 1864.

Major General Grant:

               Your note of the 14th Inst: asking the appointment of J. D. C. Hoskins as Cadet at large to West Point was handed me by Mr. Washburn three or four days ago- It shall be done- There being no vacancy now we must wait for one: but the Secretary of War and myself, between us, will not let the case be forgotten. Mean time I suggest that if you can you send us the boys full Christian name, instead of merely the initials.
                                                                                      Yours very truly
                                                                                                 A.Lincoln

Please write to the President giving your [?] name in full or write to me and I will do so.
                                                                                                 U.S. Grant

Letter to General Beauregard from Robert E. Lee from Drewry’s Bluff, June 16, 1864

The Petersburg campaign opened on June 12, 1864, when Grant, following repeated failures to get between Lee’s army and Richmond, attempted to regain the initiative by crossing the James River and driving over the important Petersburg railroad junction. For several days Lee was unable to keep track of the exact location of Grant’s main force. By June 16, circumstances were changing each hour as Lee made his headquarters the key defensive position at Drewry’s Bluff. Long integral to the overall defenses of Richmond, Drewry’s Bluff had been the site of fierce fighting the previous month, when a Confederate force under Beauregard had defeated a Union attack during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. Now, during those critical hours on June 16th, Lee struggled to coordinate reports and movement of different Confederate forces on both sides of the James River, including those under General P.G.T. Beauregard at Petersburg. Beauregard himself faced concerted attacks from the more numerous Union forces that had recently crossed the river. Lee and Beauregard finally stabilized the situation for the time being, but the campaign that would lead to the desperate Siege of Petersburg had begun. Drewry’s Bluff itself would remain in Confederate hands until the evacuation of Richmond, April 2-3, 1865. 

Drury’s Bluff 1 1/3 P.M. 16 June 64

Genl Beauregard
Petersburg

    Your dispatch of 11:30 just arr’d. I fear the withdrawal of your pickets has lost your lines in front of Bermuda Hundred—Gen’l Anderson thinks they are occupied. He was pushing back enemy’s skirmishers at 19 ½ P.M. I have directed they be opposed if practicable & advantageous. What force have you in your front – Have you heard of Grant’s crossing the James river?
                                                                   R E Lee

Atlanta Campaign, Summer of 1864

Atlanta was a major manufacturing center and railroad hub in the south and served as a key supply line for the Confederate forces. While General U.S. Grant engaged with General Robert E. Lee’s forces in Virginia, Major General Sherman’s federal forces were gathered near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Realizing the importance of seizing Atlanta and destroying the Confederates supply lines, Sherman, beginning in early May 1864, engaged his forces in battle with the Confederate Army of Tennessee commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston. Sherman’s forces outnumbered and outgunned Johnston’s, which enabled Sherman to outflank and gain ground with the assistance of Major Generals George H. Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland, John M. Schofield’s Army of the Ohio, and James B. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee. Displeased by Johnston’s failure to defend the territory, Confederate President Jefferson Davis replaced him with Lt. General John B. Hood, but with Sherman’s forces positioned outside of Atlanta, Hood was unsuccessful in his attempts to seal off Union supply lines. The campaign lasted four months, ending with Hood's abandonment of Atlanta on the morning of September 1, 1864.

Spot where General James McPherson Died

Engine seized at Big Shanty, GA

This Engine was seized at Big Shanty, GA by a detachment from General Ormsby M. Mitchel's Union force and used to destroy the railroad tracks and burn the railroad bridges between Big Shanty, GA and Chattanooga, TN. After General Sherman's forces took the city of Atlanta, C.S.A. General Hood evacuated the city on September 1, 1864, and ordered all public buildings and works; any possible Confederate assets be destroyed including the railway and train depot.

General Sherman's Headquarters, Atlanta, GA. October 1864

After three and a half months of incessant maneuvering and hard fighting, Sherman forced C.S.A. General Hood to abandon the munitions center of the Confederacy. For about two months, September-November 1864, Sherman remained in Atlanta, resting with his battle-weary troops, and gathering supplies. During the occupation, George N. Barnard, official photographer of the Chief Engineer's Office, made the best photographic record of the war in the West. Unfortunately, much of his work was destroyed in the fire that spread from the military facilities which were blown up when Sherman and his troops departed the city on November 15.

Stereograph of General Sherman's Headquarters, Lyons House, located on the corner of Collins & Mitchell Streets. Not one of the buildings in this view was destroyed

Group at Atlanta, GA. October 1864

Three of Major General George H. Thomas' staff pose on the porch of an unidentified house which was appropriated by Union officers of the Army of the Cumberland commanded by Thomas.

Left to right: Colonel A. J. Mackay, Chief Quartermaster; Brigadier General John Milton Brannan, Artillery Reserve; Dr. George E. Cooper, medical director for the U.S. Army.

Union Officers in Atlanta, GA. October 1864

Federal officers Major Hoffman and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Clifton Wharton (USMA 1862) relax on the front stoop of a residence, located on the west side of Peachtree Street between Cain and Harris Streets, Atlanta, Georgia.

Forty White Hall Street, Atlanta, GA. November 1864

Stereograph of buildings including a storefront with a sign indicating it was a place of business where slaves were auctioned and sold. All buildings on the street were destroyed just before General Sherman's March to the Sea.

C.S.A. General Robert E. Lee letter to Lt. General U.S. Grant, October 19, 1864

Lee’s letter to Grant discusses the southern view of slaves as property and the Confederate government's policy regarding their treatment as prisoners when captured: recaptured slaves serving in the Union army would be returned to their owners.. The African Americans not identified as property of citizens of the Confederate states would be treated as prisoners of war and used for prisoner exchanges. In addition, rebel prisoners of war captured by the United States forces under General Butler were alleged to have been sent to work in the canal at Dutch Gap which was under fire. In retaliation, the Confederates sent Federal African American prisoners identified as slaves to also work in the canal at Dutch Gap and to labor on fortifications around Richmond.   

Excerpt from p.5:

“The Confederate government, bound by the same constitutional obligations, considers, as that of the United States did, that the capture or abduction of a negro slave does not preclude the lawful owner from reclaiming him when recaptured, and I am instructed to say that all such slaves, when properly identified as belonging to citizens of any of the Confederate States, or to persons enjoying the protection of their laws, will be restored like other recaptured private property, to those entitled to them.”

Hd. Qrs Army of Northern Va.
19^th October 1864.

Lieut. Genl. U.S. Grant
Comdg. U.S. Armies

General:

     In accordance with instructions from the Hon. Secretary of War of the Confederate States, I have the honor to call your attention to the subject of two communications recently addressed by Major Genl. F. Butler, an officer under your command, to the Hon. Robert Ould, Commissioner for the exchange of prisoners.
     For the better understanding of the matter, I enclose copies of the communications. You will perceive by one of them, that the writer has placed a number of officers and men belonging to the Confederate service, prisoners of war, captured by the United States forces, at labor in the canal at Dutch Gap, in retaliation, as is alleged, for a like number of Federal colored soldiers, prisoners of war in our hands, who are said to have been put to work on our fortifications. The evidence of this fact is found in the affidavits of two deserters from our service.
     The other letter refers to a copy of a

p.2
                                             
notice issued by a Confederate officer commanding a camp near Richmond, calling upon the owners to come forward and establish their claims to certain negroes in the custody of that officer. The writer of the letter proceeds to state that some of the negroes mentioned in the notice, are believed to be soldiers of the United States Army captured in arms, and that upon that belief, he has ordered such manual labor as he deems most fitting to meet the exigency, an equal number of prisoners of war held by the United States, and announces that he will continue to order to labor captives in war to a number equal to that of all the United States soldiers who, he has reason to believe, are held to service or labor by the Confederate forces, until he shall be notified the alleged practice on the part of the Confederate authorities has ceased.
     Before stating the facts with reference to the particular negroes alluded to, I beg leave to explain the policy pursued by the Confederate Government towards this class of persons when captured by its forces.
     All negroes in the military or naval service of the United States taken by us, who are not identified as the property of citizens or res-idents of any of the Confederate States, are re-garded as prisoners of war, being held to be proper

p.3
 
subjects of exchange, as I recently had the honor to inform you.
     No labor is exacted from such prisoners by the Confederate authorities. Negroes who owe service or labor to citizens or residents of the Confederate States and who through compulsion, persuasion, or of their own accord leave their owners and are placed in the military or naval service of the United States, occupy a different position.
The right of the service or labor of negro slaves in the Confederate States, is the same now as when those states were members of the Federal Union. The constitutional relations and obligations of the Confederate government to the owners of this species of property, are the same as those so frequently and so long recognized as appertaining to the government of the United States, with reference to the same class of persons, by virtue of its organic law. From the earliest period of the independence of the American States, it has been held that one of the duties incumbent upon several common governments under which they have from time to time been associated, was the return to their lawful owners, of slaves recaptured from the public [superscript] enemy. It has been uniformly held that the capture or abduction of a slave does not impair the right of the owner to such slave, but that the

p.4

right attaches to him immediately upon recapture.
     Such was the practice of the American States during their struggle for Independence. The government under which they were then associated, restored to the owners slaves abducted by the British forces and subsequently recaptured by the American armies.
     In the war of 1812 with Great Britain, the course pursued by the United States government was the same, and it rerecognized the right of the owner to slaves recaptured from the enemy. Both the Continental and United States governments, in fact denied that the abduction of slaves was a belligerent right, and the latter power insisted upon, and ultimately secured by treaty, pecuniary indemnity from the British government, for slaves taken by its forces during the war of 1812
     And it is supposed that if a negro belonging to a citizen of a state in which slavery is recognized, and which is regarded as one of the United States, were to escape into the Confederate States, or be captured or abducted by their armies, the legal right of the owner to reclaim him would be as clear now as in 1812, the constitution of the United States being Unchanged in the particular, and that instru-

p.5

-ment having been interpreted in the judicial decisions, legislation and diplomatic acts and correspondence of the United States, as imposing upon that government the duty of protecting, in all cases coming within the scope of its authority, the owners of slaves as well as of any other kind of property recognized as such by the several states.
     The Confederate government, bound by the same constitutional obligations, considers, as that of the United States did, that the capture or abduction of a negro slave does not preclude the lawful owner from reclaiming him when recaptured, and I am instructed to say that all such slaves, when properly identified as belonging to citizens of any of the Confederate States, or to persons enjoying the protection of their laws, will be [superscript] restored like other recaptured private property, to those entitled to them.
     Having endeavored to explain the general policy of the Confederate government with regard to this subject, I beg leave to state the facts concerning the particular transactions referred to in the enclosed communications.
     The negroes currently captured by our forces, were sent to Richmond with other Federal prisoners. After their arrival it was discovered that a number of them were

p.6

slaves belonging to citizens or residents of some of the Confederate States, and of this class fifty nine as I learn were sent with other negroes to work on the fortifications around Richmond, until their owners should appear and claim them. As soon as I was informed of the fact, less than two days afterwards, not wishing to employ them here, I ordered them to be sent into the interior. By a misapprehension of the Engineer officer in charge, they were transferred to our lines South of James River, but when apprised of the error I repeated the order for their removal. If any negroes were included among the number who were not identified as the slaves of citizens or residents of some of the Confederate States, they were so included without the knowledge or authority of the War Department, as already explained, and the mistake when discovered would have been corrected.
     It only remains for me to say that the negroes employed upon our fortifications, are not allowed to be placed where they will be exposed to fire, and there is no foundation for any statement to the contrary.
     The author of the communication referred to, has considered himself justified by the report of two deserters, who do not allege that the negroes in question were exposed to any

p.7

danger, in placing our prisoners at labor in the canal at Dutch Gap under the fire of our batteries.
     In view of the explanation of the practice of the Confederate government above given, and of the statement of facts I have made, I have now in accordance with my instructions, respectfully to inquire whether the course pursued towards our prisoners as set forth in the accompanying letters has your sanctions, and whether it will be maintained?

                                    Very respectfully
                                             Your obedient servant
                                                                 R E Lee
                                                                 Genl.   

General Cullum letter to Colonel Clarke, November 22, 1864

Cullum writes to Colonel Clarke requesting guidance to resolve an issue on Post involving Clarke's sister-in-law Mrs. Jones, a Confederate sympathizer with strong views who supports the secession of Southern States from the Union and is causing unrest at West Point.

Superintendent Letter Book
Private & Confidential
West Point, NY Nov. 22, 1864

My Dear Colonel
        I exceedingly regret to feel compelled to write to you upon a very disagreeable matter. For some time past it has been stated to me again and again that your sister-in-law Mrs. D.R. Jones has been freely giving utterance to secession sentiments.- So long as she lived off this post, though these reports were most painful to me, I did not feel called upon to write anything about them to the authorities at Washington; but, since her residence at West Point, the case is entirely different, particularly as I understand she has not only violated the courtesies due from everyone at the post, but, on Sunday last, committed an offense during service in the chapel while the Clergiman was reading the Presidents’ Thanksgiving Proclamation, which if done by a Union Woman in Richmond under similar circumstances would have consigned her to the Libby Prison. As Superintendent of the Military Academy it is my duty to prevent all treason and treasonable language at this institution, and I have thus far refrained from taking any steps in the case of Mrs. Jones, partly because I have no official information of her words and acts, but chiefly on account of her relationship with so many devoted defenders of the union, and connection with names illustrious in our Country’s history.-  However. I feel that those restraining influences must not through delicacy, make me derelict in my duty; but, of course. I would greatly prefer that she should be immediately withdrawn from this post, and her evil influences over Cadets be terminated by her own relations- have by any official action of mine, or by an Order of the Secretary of War which will be sure to follow any report I may make upon the subject.
Please inform me at once what can be done. -
                         Very Respectfully- Your Most Obet.
                                        (Signed) Gen W. Cullum
                                              Brig Genl. Supt M.A.

Special Orders No.27, February 21, 1865

Special Orders No. 52, March 30, 1865

Telegraph from General Sherman to Colonel Granger, April 3, 1865

Sewall L. Fremont was a West Point classmate of General William Tecumseh Sherman; both graduates of the Class of 1840. After graduation, Fremont taught geography, history, and ethics at West Point. In 1847, he was placed on quartermaster duty in Washington, D.C., and had also joined the North Carolina volunteers at Fort Johnston advancing to the rank of colonel. He resigned from the army in 1854 and became an assistant engineer assigned to the improvement of the Cape Fear and Savannah rivers as well as management of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. He advanced to the rank of colonel of the North Carolina militia serving as the chief of artillery and engineers. He held the same rank in the C.S.A. during the war, commanding the coastal fortification defenses from New River south to the North Carolina state line including Fort Fisher. He used his knowledge of the railroad and river systems and his contacts in the North to smuggle artillery and weapons to the C.S.A. On April 3, 1865, after the fall of Fort Fisher, by orders of General Sherman, Fremont was arrested. In this telegraph to Colonel Gordon Granger, Sherman conveys his utter contempt for his former classmate, Fremont.

U. S. Military Telegraph
April 3rd 1865
By Telegraph from Goldsboro

To Col Granger.

      Tell S.L. Fremont that I am the same person he knew in the old army but that he is not. Tell him I don't want to see a man who knows better, but in the present trouble abandoned the country that had nurtured him. I shall appropriate to the U.S. every [particle?] of property belonging to the Rail Road, which is forfeited a thousand times.  Tell S.L. Fremont I will give him a pass to Nassau or to a foreign port, but if he remains in our lines he is simply tolerated & must keep close in doors. Let him return to Wilmington & not meddle with the Road or anything pertaining to it.

                                                             Sherman
                                                             Major General

President Lincoln telegraph to General Ulysses S. Grant, April 7, 1865

After reviewing recent telegrams and reading General Sheridan’s message, Lincoln sends this telegraph from City Point to General U.S. Grant, “Gen, Sheridan says: ‘If the thing is pressed, I think that Lee will surrender.' Let the thing be pressed.” Lincoln’s communication urges Grant to continue to press on.

General U.S. Grant letter to C.S.A. General Robert E. Lee, April 9, 1865

Appomattox G. H. Va.
Apl 9^th 1865

Gen R.E. Lee
Cmdg C.S.A.

Gen

In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8^th inst. I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of N. Va. on the following terms; trust Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate One copy to be given to an officer designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the

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Gov [page torn away] of the United States until properly exchanged and each company or regimental commander affirms signs a like parole for the men of their command The arms artillery and public property to be parked and stacked and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of the officers nor their private horses or baggage. This done each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes not to be disturbed by United States authority as long as they observe their parole and the laws in force where they may visit

                                                     Very respectfully
                                                              U.S. Grant

Special Order No. 57, April 10, 1865

Special Orders No. 60, April 15, 1865

Assassination of President Lincoln

After the assassination attempt on President Lincoln April 14, 1865, resulting in his death the following day, Superintendent George W. Cullum orders all Academic and Military duty- except guard duty at West Point to be suspended for the day, April 15, 1865. Cullum’s orders also include the fact that Secretary of State William Henry Seward and his son Frederick, the Assistant Secretary, were also injured. William H. Seward was nearly killed as part of the plot that resulted in Lincoln’s assassination. On the same night that Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford Theatre, April 14, 1865, a former Confederate soldier named Lewis Powell attacked William Seward in his home while he was sleeping, stabbing him multiple times with a knife. His son Frederick tried to stop Powell from entering the bedroom, but his pistol failed, and Powell hit him on the head with the pistol. Cullum did not expect any of them to survive, but the Sewards did survive their injuries.

Head Quarters Military Academy
West Point, N.Y. April 15^th 1865

Special Orders No.60

An overwhelming calamity has befallen the Nation!

Last night a murderous attempt was made in the city of Washington to take the life of President Lincoln, Secretary Seward, and his son the Assistant Secretary of State and but little hope exists of preserving their lives. In view of the anxiety this most afflicting intelligence has created, all Academic and Military duty- except guard, will be suspended for the day.

                                      By order of General Cullum
                                                       Edward C. Boynton
                                                         Captain & Adjutant

General U.S. Grant note about President Lincoln

A man of great ability, pure patriotism, unselfish nature, full of forgiveness to his enemies, bearing malice toward no one he prove[sic] to be the man above all others for the great struggle through which the Nation had to pass to place itself among the greatest in the family of nations. His fame will grow brighter as time passes and his great work is better understood.

                                                                U.S. Grant

Special Orders No 71, April 29, 1865

Head Quarters, Military Academy
West Point, N.Y. April 29, 1865

Special Orders No. 71

A salute of 36 guns will be fired at 12 M. today, under the direction of the Commandant of Cadets in honor of the surrender of the rebel General Johnston with all the forces under his Command to General Sherman.

                   By order of General Cullum;
                                      Edward Boynton
                                      Captain Adjutant

Lt. General U.S. Grant letter to Maj. General Halleck regarding Amnesty for Lee, May 6^th,1865

Washington May 6^th 1865
Maj. Gen. Halleck, Richmond Va.

               Since receipt of your dispatch of 3^rd I think it will be advisable to leave Hunter alone for the present. Although it would meet with opposition in the North to allow Lee the benefit of Amnesty I think it would have the best possible effect towards restoring good feeling and peace in the South to have him come in. All the people except a few political leaders South will accept what ever he does as right and will be guided to a great extent by his example.

                                       U. S. Grant
                                           Lt. Gen.

Juneteenth (June 19) 1865

Cullum letter to Brigadier General Stewart Van Vliet June 23, 1865

West Point June 23, 1865

          Coming up the river yesterday from New York, where I had a few hours on business, we met a steamer filled with returning volunteers, for whom on my arrival here, I ordered as they passed West Point, a salute, from the revolutionary Fort Knox. They would also have received some hearty cheers of greeting, had the Cadets not been at parade as the steamers came along.

          The examination has so absorbed all army attention that I have not before seen any troops passing, or I would have paid them a similar compliment. Will you, hereafter, please to notify me at about what hour any returning volunteers will be passing West Point, that the Military Academy may testify the appreciation of their gallant services in the nation's defense, and maintenance of our priceless Union.

             Very Truly
                    Your Most Obedient
                     (Sig) Geo. W. Cullum
                              Brig Genl. Supt. Mil. Academy

General Sherman letter to Sewall Lawrence Fremont, July 18, 1865

Major General William Tecumseh Sherman writes this letter to his old USMA 1841 classmate Sewall Lawrence Fremont (1816-1886) about the rising tensions in the country between the North and the South. He also shares his views on the government's use of coercion for obedience and conveys his opinion that the Union army was far superior to the C.S.A. He advises Fremont to be loyal to the Union now that the war has ended and should there be any future escalations, he should take no part in them.

After the war, Fremont worked as an architect designing the North Carolina Asylum for the Colored Insane in Goldsboro which opened in 1878, and he was also its superintendent. The asylum served the entire Black population in the state of North Carolina. A post-Civil War form of slave labor, the patients worked on the farmland on the asylum grounds, tending food crops and picking cotton. Fremont also served as surveyor for the city of Wilmington, NC from 1880-1883 and then as U.S. architect for the city of Memphis, TN until his death in 1886.

St Louis Mo. July 18. 1865
S. L. Fremont Esq.
Near Wilmington NC.

Sir,

     Yours of May 30 did not reach me til my arrival here. I have read it completely, and matters have changed much since my letter to you and yours to me. I do remember well the kindly relations that existed between us, and I also remember the terrible scenes through which I have passed. I attribute these to a failure on the part of the Union Men of the South to stand by their country in that dread day of danger when the South arose to enforce a disunion. Personally and officially I have done more than the average to resist a storm of popular indignation for both generalities of our country, and do adjudge it the sacred duty of all national men. Even if alone to speak & act the truth in the very vortex of popular clamor. Had I chosen I could have turned the fury of the whole north and especially of my army against the [keeper?] of your state.. but I did stand against the passion & know that you are under more obligations to me than you know.

      I remember the howl raised of the south about coercion & still say that fifty men in North Carolina could have stood in the face of the tumult & layed the storms. For what is Government but coercion. All Laws are coercion. Even the collection of a debt is coercion. A Government without the Power of coercion is no Govt at all- But it is no time now to discuss so simple a principle for it is now demonstrated that our Government will coerce obedience at any and all costs, and I am glad of it. But when coercion is unnecessary then of course moderation is the Ruler, and I am as willing to forget the passions of the past as you are. I hope you may live out your allotted time in the peace of your chair, but if a new mad passion arises near you, I hope you will [manifest?] yourself. Even if alone, and you have to fall a victim to the senseless howl of the crowd.

I am, &c:
W. T. Sherman