Emilio, Luis F., History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry , 1863-1865

[283] Castle Pinckney and Fort Ripley. There they were welcomed by a gathering of colored people, who cheered them and the national symbol. Soon George W. Williams, Dr. Albert G. Mackey, and other citizens appeared, and representing that the Rebel rear-guard was still in the place, begged protection, and assistance in quelling the flames, which threatened the total destruction of the city. Major Hennessy was despatched to the arsenal, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett with the remainder of his force, which had been increased by the arrival of some of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, moved to the Citadel. Guards were soon sent to public buildings, storehouses, and important points, and the abandoned fire apparatus, manned by negroes, firemen, and soldiers, was put into use, checking the fires.

Captain Walton and Lieutenant Newell with Company B, and Captain Bridge with Company F, on the 18th, proceeding from Morris Island in rowboats, reached Charleston after the advance troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett. Being the first considerable body of colored soldiers to arrive, their march through the streets was a continual welcome from crowds of their people of both sexes. Upon reaching the Citadel, officers and men were placed on provost duty. Lieutenant Edmands and his Fifty-fourth men at Black Island, with the Fifty-second Pennsylvania companies there, rowed to Fort Johnson, where they remained until the 19th and then joined Company F in Charleston.

General Schimmelfennig, with a force from Cole's Island, crossed to James Island on the night of the 17th. He early discovered the evacuation, and at 1 P. M., on the 18th, entered Charleston after crossing the Ashley. General Potter learned of the abandonment on the 19th, and moved