Letter

Quincy A. Gillmore to British Consulate, August 22, 1863

Author

Quincy A. Gillmore

Recipient

British Consulate

Date

August 22, 1863

Type

Letter

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

In the Field, Morris Island, S. C., August 22, 1863—9 p. m..

The SPANISH CONSUL, Charleston, S. C.:

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, desiring of mea suspension of the bombardment of Charleston for twenty-four hours, to allow the subjects of the Spanish Goyernment to depart from the city.

I had supposed that ample time had been given for this purpose. The commencement of the attack on the defenses of Charleston, some forty days ago, is regarded as having given plain and emphatic warning that the city might be fired on at any time.

Nothing, however, is further from my wish than to endanger the lives or property of subjects of the Government which you represent, and I cordially accede to your request. No further bombardment of Charleston need be apprehended until 11 p. m. to-morrow.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient

servant,

Editor's Notes

From: Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida, Pt. 1. Location: In the Field, Morris Island, S. C.. Summary: Union General Q. A. Gillmore grants the Spanish Consul's request to suspend the bombardment of Charleston for 24 hours to allow Spanish subjects to safely evacuate the city during the 1863 siege.

Topics

1863 Civil War Field Reports Military Correspondence Military Operations

Sources

The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 28, Part 1 View original source ↗