Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Colonel: I have the honor to report that one of my companies, Company I, Captain Humbert, stationed at Fort Johnson, had a small share in the glorious little fight of the seventh instant, with the turreted iron-clads in Charleston harbor.

About half-past 2 o'clock of that afternoon, eight (8) iron-clads were seen approaching for the purpose of engaging Fort Sumter, and when within easy range, they opened fire upon her. My guns of heavy calibre at that post, being so placed as to bear only upon the inner harbor, could not be brought to bear upon the ironclads; but in our anxiety to “have a place in the picture,” and in order somewhat to test the range of a ten-inch mortar in that direction, I authorized Lieutenant Bolivar, in charge, to open fire from it, which, after being fired twice with shell, filled and plugged, and the object sought attained, was ordered to be discontinued.

The officers and men were all eagerly anxious to play a part in the engagement, and we only regret that our position was such as to prevent our having a more prominent place in an engagement which does so much credit to all concerned.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully,

Captain: I have the honor to report that about two o'clock P. M., on Tuesday, the seventh instant, it was reported to me that the enemy's iron-clads, which had previously taken a position inside the bar, were steaming up main ship channel. I ordered the long roll sounded, and all the guns of this battery to be maimed forth-with, placing those men who were not engaged at the pieces in a position so as to be protected from the fire of the enemy. As soon as the leading boat came within range, and after Moultrie and Sumter had opened, I directed the fire of two rifled guns and an eight-inch columbiad on that boat, and continued to fire on her, until I was satisfied that it was not her intention to pass the forts. I fired rapidly at first, because I saw that she would soon reach a point on which my rifled guns could not be brought to bear. About this time the Ironsides came up and exposed her broadside, when I immediately directed the fire of the same guns on her, and paid more attention to her than any other boat during the fight. I occasionally fired a shot at the Keokuk, or any one of them that offered a fair mark to the guns used. About half-past 4, I found that my supply of rifled projectiles and eight-inch solid shot was getting short. I ordered the firing to cease, and sent a messenger to the fort to know if I could be supplied, but received a message from Brigadier-General J. H. Trapier, in the meantime, to cease firing altogether.

The guns that were engaged were manned alternately by detachments from Company K, First South Carolina artillery, Lieutenant W. E. Erwin commanding, and from Company B, First infantry, Captain J. H. Warley commanding. I am satisfied that the Ironsides was struck several times by shot from this battery, and I think one or two others were also struck, with what effect it is impossible to say, except from reports since the engagement, which lead us to believe that the enemy were considerably damaged. I have reason to be satisfied with the firing, and the cool, deliberate, and determined aspect which characterized both men and officers during the engagement. I inclose a tabular statement of the amount and kinds of ammunition expended. The enemy fired several rounds at us, none of which took effect. There were no casualties from any cause whatever.

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient servant,

Captain: I have the honor to report that, at about half-past 2 P. M., on Tuesday, the seventh instant, the officer of the day reported to me that the monitor fleet of the enemy, accompanied by the Ironsides, was approaching. I immediately ordered the long roll beat; the guns were manned, and everything got in readiness for action. On reaching the battery, nine (9) iron-clads, including the Ironsides, were observed slowly making their way up Ship channel. At this time, four (4) of the monitors proper were in line of battle in advance, the Ironsides and others in rear. While waiting the nearer approach of the enemy, instructions were given that the left section of the battery commanded by Captain Warren Adams, should