Letter
Hutson LEE to William T. Sherman, July 22, 1863
Charleston
Charleston, July 22, 1863.
GENERAL : I consider it advisable not to open fire with the works about Shell Point until entirely completed; otherwise the return fire of the enemy will compel us to work upon them only at night, thereby delaying them.
A vigorous and constant fire with guns and mortars should be kept up on the enemy’s works (especially at and about Vinegar Hill) from Wagner, Gregg, and Sumter. No way of annoying them should be omitted ; even sorties at night to fill up their rifle-pits, spike their guns, &c., should be resorted to whenever the night will favor such operations.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLESTON, 8. C.,
July 22, 1863.
Maj. Hutson LEE,
Chief Quartermaster, &e. :
July 22, 1863.
Maj. Hutson LEE,
Chief Quartermaster, &e. :
Masor: It is the wish of the commanding general that two or
three cords of rich "'light wood" should be sent to Morris Island,
for use in Battery Wagner in an emergency; that is, to burn the
bomb-proofs and gun carriages there, in the event that work has
three cords of rich "'light wood" should be sent to Morris Island,
for use in Battery Wagner in an emergency; that is, to burn the
bomb-proofs and gun carriages there, in the event that work has
Editor's Notes
From: Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida, Pt. 1. Location: Charleston. Summary: Maj. Hutson Lee advises General Sherman to delay firing on Shell Point until fortifications are complete and to maintain constant bombardment and night sorties against enemy positions near Vinegar Hill.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 28, Part 1
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