At the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor, July – September 1863, CH Denison and the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery supported the X Army Corps as it occupied Morris Island at the mouth of the Harbor and assaulted Fort Wagner in July. In the wake of these failed assaults, BG Gillmore, the Union Army commander, ordered the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery and several other units to dig gun emplacements for siege artillery. On 17 August, the Rhode Islanders fired the first shots of a bombardment that eventually reduced Fort Sumter to rubble.
Sources used for this episode:
Denison, Frederick. Shot and Shell: The Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment in the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Providence: J. A. & R. A. Reid, 1879. https://www.loc.gov/item/07038069/.
Denison, Frederick. A Chaplain’s Experience in the Union Army. Providence: Providence Historical Society, 1893. https://archive.org/details/05590038.3497.emory.edu/page/n3/mode/2up.
Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederates Armies. ser. 1, vol. 28, pt. 1: Reports. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077699779&view=1up&seq=3.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:22):
Hello everyone.
My name is bill Coughlin andwelcome to first person civil
war podcast, which retells thestories of the soldiers and
officers on the ground in thebattles of the civil war.
Episode 37 is entitled chaplain,Frederick Denison, and the third
(00:43):
Rhode Island, heavy artillery atthe second battle of Charleston
Harbor and relies on two booksthat he published.
Uh, regimental history entitledshot and shell, the third Rhode
Island, heavy artillery regimentin the rebellion.
1861 to 1865.
Published in 1879.
(01:05):
And a personal narrativeentitled a chaplain's experience
in the union army.
Which he published in 1893.
Frederick Denison was born on28, September 18, 19 in
Stonington, Connecticut.
And had deep roots in theregion.
(01:25):
His family could trace apresence in Stonington back to
1650, which became a tradingpost the year before.
And incorporated as a town, 12years later.
While learning the trade ofcarpentry.
He decided to become a Baptistpreacher.
After four years of college atbrown university and a few years
(01:46):
of preaching.
Frederick Denison was ordainedas a Baptist pastor in Norwich,
Connecticut, sometime around1850.
By 1859, Reverend Denisonrelocated to a church in central
falls, Rhode Island, and becameopenly critical of slavery.
(02:06):
At the beginning of the war,Frederick Denison was the
chaplain of the Pawtucket lightguard.
Uh, local militia company.
And volunteered for service asthe chaplain of the first Rhode
Island cavalry.
Until 1863.
When he became the chaplain ofthe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
(02:28):
Formed in late 1861.
The third Rhode Island, heavyartillery regiment consisted of
12 batteries in total and wasassigned to the 10th Corps,
which operated in SouthCarolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Unlike infantry regiments, whichhad all companies operating as a
single unit on a battlefield.
(02:49):
It was a rarity for an artilleryregiment to do so.
Three batteries participated inthe 1862 battle of Fort Pulaski
where their heavy guns wereinstrumental in breaching.
What was thought to beimpregnable walls.
While six batteries were presentat the battle of secession
Ville.
(03:11):
Chaplin Denison was assigned tothe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery in January of 1863.
And arrive the next month inHilton head, South Carolina.
Where the regimentalheadquarters and several of its
companies were stationed.
I took with me gifts.
The friends of the regiment,such as testaments books and
(03:34):
papers, and also hundreds ofcopies of army hymns that I had
written for the command Similarto those.
I wrote for the cavalry.
Among the books were about 300copies of the Dua new Testament.
Which is the direct Englishtranslation from the Latin
Vulgate Bible of the fourthcentury.
(03:54):
And he continues.
Obtained by solicitation from awealthy Roman Catholic gentleman
in New York city.
For the use of the Catholicmembers of the regiment.
This donation was a happysurprise.
And one for me at once theregards of the Catholics.
As the chaplain of the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery.
(04:17):
Frederick Denison traveled tolocations along the coast of
South Carolina, to the variouscompanies that manned Fort
Pulaski and Georgia.
And down to St.
Augustine, Florida.
Wherever he was, he providedBaptist services and coordinated
religious support for Catholicsoldiers.
(04:37):
Following the failed Navaladvance into Charleston Harbor
in April of 1863.
The department of the South'snew commander.
Brigadier general Quincy, aGilmore prepared for an army and
Navy operation againstCharleston Harbor slated for
that summer.
As it was the opening scene ofthe civil war with the firing on
(04:59):
Fort Sumter.
The Confederate since 1861strengthened the defenses of the
Harbor with construction ofseveral fortifications, which
included batteries, Wagner andGreg on Morris island Among many
other fortifications.
In early July, the 10th Corpslanded on folly island.
(05:22):
Which was adjacent to moresilent and situated at the
Southern mouth of CharlestonHarbor.
Alongside the first usartillery, third us artillery,
and the third New Yorkartillery.
Five companies from the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery
assisted the infantry.
As it crossed an inlet, Tamarasilent.
(05:44):
And assaulted a lighthouse heldby the Confederates on 10 July.
According to chaplain Dennison,there are more mint included.
Company B with six, 10 inchsiege mortars.
Company C with two, three inchordinance rifles and two 30
(06:06):
pounder Parrott rifles.
Company D with eight 30 pounderParrott rifles.
Company I with four 20 pounderParrott rifles.
And company M with five eightinch siege, mortars and four 10
inch siege mortars.
(06:27):
Following the successfulcrossing, Tamara silent, the
10th Corps established newfortifications in the vicinity
of Fort Wagner, but also withinartillery range of Fort Sumpter.
The Rhode Islanders again,supported the infantry and their
assaults upon Ford Wagner on 10to 11 and 18 July in which all
(06:49):
failed to carry thefortifications.
Brigadier general Gilmorechanged his approach to take
Fort Wagner.
In order for the infantry andMarines to dig SAP trenches.
Chaplain Dennison.
And the third Rhode Island heavyartillery shifted their focus to
erecting breachingfortifications against Fort
(07:09):
Sumpter.
Which drew the attention of theConfederate artillery from
across Charleston Harbor.
Just as a note, Fort Johnson waslocated on James island and
Northwest of Morris island.
Fort Moultrie was across theHarbor on Sullivan's island.
And Fort Sumpter is at the mouthof the Harbor.
(07:33):
Just save as far as possible,the lives of the fatigue parties
engaged in constructing thebatteries and parallels.
Uh, watch was set on the highestpoints of the works on the
front.
To observe the puffs of smokefrom the enemies guns and give
warning, calling the name of theFort from which the missile was
(07:53):
coming thus.
Johnson.
Cover.
Mold tree.
Cover.
Sumter cover.
(08:19):
The men, if possible with throwthemselves under their
protections, splinter proofs andembankments until the shot had
done its work.
Colonel Alfred RET commander ofthe first South Carolina
artillery and Fort Sumpter.
Noted the progress of the unionin placements.
(08:40):
Following the failed 18 Julyassault.
as the Rhode Islanders worked onthere and placements, the other
union artillery regimentscontinued to engage with Fort
Wagner and Sumpter as well asother fortifications.
July 20 at 2:00 PM.
Uh, shell from enemies batteriesstruck the Fort and a continuous
(09:03):
fire was kept up until dark.
At 3:30 PM.
Captain Mitchell's battery onshell point opened fire.
At 3 57 Fort Sumpter, open fireon iron signs and enemies
batteries.
July 21.
The enemy have erected threebatteries.
This side of Graham'sheadquarters.
(09:26):
We can see apparently six newembrasures also extending the
battery across the island.
The enemy have apparentlymounted eight new guns on their
batteries.
Though Colonel Rhett recognizethat the union army was
constructing more in placements.
He could not see all of thefiring positions.
(09:48):
And the heavier caliberartillery that the 10th Corps
brought to Morris island by lateJuly.
For context, the batteries wherethe firing positions and the
companies occupied them.
This excerpt combines theartillery dispositions provided
by Brigadier general.
John W.
Turner.
Chief of artillery for thebombardment of Fort Sumpter.
(10:11):
And chaplain Denison.
For accurate company placementof the third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
The first parallel.
Battery Reynolds company Bthird, Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
With five, 10 inch siegemortars.
(10:31):
The Naval battery.
Detach sailors from the frigateWabash with two, 200 pounder
Parrott rifles and two 80pounder.
Whitworth's.
Battery weed.
Company H and D seventh,Connecticut infantry.
With five, 10 inch siegemortars.
(10:54):
The second parallel.
Battery brown.
Company I third Rhode Island.
With two, 200 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery rose Kranz company, M.
Third Rhode Island with three,100 pounder Parrott rifles.
Battery Mead company M.
(11:16):
Third, Rhode Island.
With two, 100 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Kearney company C and Kseventh, Connecticut infantry.
With three 30 pounder pairedrifles.
The left batteries.
Battery haze company, D thirdRhode Island.
(11:39):
With seven 30 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Reno.
Company H third Rhode Islandwith one, 200 pounder parrot
rifle.
And to 100 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Stephens company Cfifth, us artillery.
With to 100 pounder Parrottrifles.
(12:02):
Battery strong.
Company I seventh Connecticutinfantry.
With one, 300 pounder parrotrifle.
And at battery Kirby, detachmentof the 11th main infantry.
With two 10 inch sea coastmortars.
With these batteries in place 39pieces of heavy artillery and
(12:26):
Varian calibers now trained uponFort Sumpter.
And on 17 August, 1863.
Brigadier general Gilmoreordered the bombardment of Fort
Sumpter to commence.
Brigadier general Turner in hisreport gives the honor of the
first shot to company.
I third, Rhode Island, heavyartillery.
(12:47):
All firing done that day was bythe third Rhode Island.
Save from battery Kirby and theNavy.
Battery brown opened with oneeight inch meaning a 200 pounder
parrot rifle.
Throwing shell.
Meaning explosive.
Battery Rosecrans, one gunthrowing shell and the other two
(13:10):
shot.
Meaning a solid projectile.
Battery Mead, both pieces,throwing shell.
Naval battery.
The parents throwing shell andthe Whitworth's shot.
Battery Hayes one, 200 pounderthrowing shot.
It's battery Kirby, throwingmortar shell.
(13:31):
On 18 August battery Reno joinedin the bombardment.
And by the 19th.
All batteries on Morris islandwere operational and firing on
Fort Sumpter, Wagner battery,Gregg, and other fortifications.
If need be.
Chaplain Denison in hisregimental history disagrees on
(13:53):
the date.
And what piece fired upon FortSumpter first?
But given that Brigadier generalTurner wrote his report on eight
September, 1863.
His account is seen as moreaccurate.
Besides being with the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery
and the fortifications.
Chaplain Denison performed allof the duties expected from an
(14:16):
army chaplain while on theisland.
My duties on Maura silent duringthe bombardment of Fort Sumpter
and the city of Charleston,where numerous and onerous.
At times I was the only chaplainon the island.
And was there for call toofficiate for different
regiments in Sabbath servicesand the burial of their dead.
(14:38):
Here too, came some duties inthe field hospital.
And some cooperation of thedevoted agents of the sanitary
commission and the Christiancommission.
Who's ministries to the soldierson the front inaction and to the
suffering in the hospitals wereof great value.
The bombardment, which began inAugust, continued into September
(15:02):
and Fort Sumpter was reduced toa shadow of its former self.
Despite this heavy bombardment,it was still not enough to drive
the Confederate Garrison fromthere and placements.
Though tenacious in theirdefense.
Chaplain Denison still feltbitterly toward the Confederates
they faced.
(15:23):
We're at trees and smote istreason Smit.
This is in reference to the usconstitution.
Article three, section three.
Clause one.
Which states.
Treason against the UnitedStates, shotgun cyst only in
levying war against them.
And he continues.
(15:44):
Fort Sumpter was alreadysilenced.
It's Barbette guns had beenoverthrown and its parapet cut
away.
Its Gorge wall was a vast ruin.
And all its embrasures facingmore silent.
Had been cut out.
Still the enemy, held it with aGarrison and waved over it.
(16:05):
The Confederate flag.
And managed to occasionally firea small gun.
As we opened new cavities in thewalls.
The rebels filled them with logsand bags of sand.
Nothing however would satisfyus, but the complete destruction
of the work that had proudlydefied us.
(16:26):
On 15, September, 1863,Brigadier general Gilmore
published a letter to all thosewho participated in the
bombardment of Fort Sumpter andthe assaults and final capture
of Fort Wagner and battery,Greg.
Though congratulatory and tone.
It also reminded the men of the10th Corps that their work on
(16:47):
Morris island was far from over.
The Fort has been in possessionof the enemy for more than two
years.
Has been as pride and boast hasbeen strengthened by every
appliance, known to militaryscience.
And has defied the assaults ofthe most powerful and Gallant
fleet the world ever saw.
(17:09):
But as yielded to your courageand patient labor.
It's walls are now crumbled toruins.
It's formidable batteries aresilenced.
And though a hostile flag stillfloats over it.
The Fort is a harmless andhelpless wreck.
And he continues.
You now hold an undisputedpossession, the whole of Morris
(17:31):
island.
And the city and Harbor ofCharleston lie at the mercy of
your artillery from the veryspot where the first shot was
fired at your country's flag.
And the rebellion itself wasinaugurated.
With more silent, fully securedby the 10th Corps and Fort
Sumpter effectively neutralizedas a significant threat.
(17:54):
The second battle of CharlestonHarbor was over.
The Confederates, however, stillhad plenty of fight left in
them.
And Charleston Harbor remainedan active theater of operations
until February, 1865.
When the city finally fell.
Throughout that time elements ofthe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery were present on Morrisisland firing upon Confederate
(18:18):
fortifications and the city ofCharleston daily.
In October of 1863, Brigadiergeneral Gilmore ordered metals
of honor, issued to soldiers whoparticipated in the operations
on Morris island, such as theinfantry assaults.
But also to see J operationsagainst Fort Sumpter.
(18:41):
The metal.
Should be awarded to 3% of theaggregated strength of the
regiments companies anddetachments and the actions in
the batteries and trenches.
10 men from the third RhodeIsland, heavy artillery received
this metal in 1864.
But if you search any of theirnames and the medal of honor
(19:01):
database, there is no mention ofthem.
Well, the us army did revoke 911metals of honor, given during
the civil war in 1917.
It seems Brigadier generalGilmore awarded a medal of honor
of his own volition.
The metal Avanir during thecivil war featured an inverted
(19:22):
star with Minerva repulsingdiscord with a shield.
According to chaplain Dennison,the Rhode Islanders received
something completely different.
And what is known today as theGilmore metal.
The metals were made of choiceprize metal.
All of colored.
Larger than a half dollar piece.
(19:44):
Very finely rot.
With ornaments and mottoes andrelief, the face reading.
For Gallant and meritoriousconduct.
Presented by major general Q aGilmore.
The odd verse reading.
Fort Sumpter, August 23rd, 1863,with a relief view of the
demolished Fort.
(20:06):
Chaplin Frederick Denisonpublished shot and shell.
The third Rhode Island, heavyartillery regiment in the
rebellion.
1861 to 1865 in 1879.
For the members of theregimental association.
From the second meeting in Julyof 1873.
The association commissioned thework, which drew on officers and
(20:29):
soldiers accounts across theentire regiment.
The association was also activein the development of the book.
And by the eighth meeting, theyapproved the history, which was
published that same year.
In 1893, Frederick Denisonpublished a narrative entitled a
chaplain's experience in theunion army.
(20:50):
Which focused on his time in thefirst Rhode Island cavalry and
the third Rhode Island, heavyartillery.
Thank you for listening to the37th episode.
The link to chaplain Denison'sbook is now available on the
podcast website.
First person, civil war,podcast.com.
(21:11):
On Facebook, Instagram, X, andLinkedIn.
This week, you will findpictures of.
Battery Reynolds company B.
Third, Rhode Island, heavyartillery with their 10 inch
siege mortars.
Uh, damaged breach from a 200pounder parrot rifle of battery
brown company.
I third Rhode Island.
(21:34):
And battery Rosecrans company, Mthird Rhode Island, heavy
artillery with their 100 pounderParrott rifles.
Picture credits to loc.gov.
If you would like an account ofthe Marines conducting C J
operations on Morris island andthe final assault upon Fort
Wagner.
(21:54):
Please check out episode 11 ofthe podcast entitled.
Second Lieutenant FrederickTomlinson, Pete and the United
States Marine Corps at the siegeof Fort Wagner.
In two weeks time, major JosephL Brent commander of the CSS
queen of the west and CSS web.
(22:16):
Provides next episodes, firstperson account.
At the capture.
Of the ironclad USS Indianola.
My name is bill Coughlin.
And thank you for listening tofirst person civil war podcast.
Hello everyone.
My name is bill Coughlin andwelcome to first person civil
war podcast, which retells thestories of the soldiers and
officers on the ground in thebattles of the civil war.
Episode 37 is entitled chaplain,Frederick Denison, and the third
(00:43):
Rhode Island, heavy artillery atthe second battle of Charleston
Harbor and relies on two booksthat he published.
Uh, regimental history entitledshot and shell, the third Rhode
Island, heavy artillery regimentin the rebellion.
1861 to 1865.
Published in 1879.
(01:05):
And a personal narrativeentitled a chaplain's experience
in the union army.
Which he published in 1893.
Frederick Denison was born on28, September 18, 19 in
Stonington, Connecticut.
And had deep roots in theregion.
(01:25):
His family could trace apresence in Stonington back to
1650, which became a tradingpost the year before.
And incorporated as a town, 12years later.
While learning the trade ofcarpentry.
He decided to become a Baptistpreacher.
After four years of college atbrown university and a few years
(01:46):
of preaching.
Frederick Denison was ordainedas a Baptist pastor in Norwich,
Connecticut, sometime around1850.
By 1859, Reverend Denisonrelocated to a church in central
falls, Rhode Island, and becameopenly critical of slavery.
(02:06):
At the beginning of the war,Frederick Denison was the
chaplain of the Pawtucket lightguard.
Uh, local militia company.
And volunteered for service asthe chaplain of the first Rhode
Island cavalry.
Until 1863.
When he became the chaplain ofthe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
(02:28):
Formed in late 1861.
The third Rhode Island, heavyartillery regiment consisted of
12 batteries in total and wasassigned to the 10th Corps,
which operated in SouthCarolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Unlike infantry regiments, whichhad all companies operating as a
single unit on a battlefield.
(02:49):
It was a rarity for an artilleryregiment to do so.
Three batteries participated inthe 1862 battle of Fort Pulaski
where their heavy guns wereinstrumental in breaching.
What was thought to beimpregnable walls.
While six batteries were presentat the battle of secession
Ville.
(03:11):
Chaplin Denison was assigned tothe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery in January of 1863.
And arrive the next month inHilton head, South Carolina.
Where the regimentalheadquarters and several of its
companies were stationed.
I took with me gifts.
The friends of the regiment,such as testaments books and
(03:34):
papers, and also hundreds ofcopies of army hymns that I had
written for the command Similarto those.
I wrote for the cavalry.
Among the books were about 300copies of the Dua new Testament.
Which is the direct Englishtranslation from the Latin
Vulgate Bible of the fourthcentury.
(03:54):
And he continues.
Obtained by solicitation from awealthy Roman Catholic gentleman
in New York city.
For the use of the Catholicmembers of the regiment.
This donation was a happysurprise.
And one for me at once theregards of the Catholics.
As the chaplain of the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery.
(04:17):
Frederick Denison traveled tolocations along the coast of
South Carolina, to the variouscompanies that manned Fort
Pulaski and Georgia.
And down to St.
Augustine, Florida.
Wherever he was, he providedBaptist services and coordinated
religious support for Catholicsoldiers.
(04:37):
Following the failed Navaladvance into Charleston Harbor
in April of 1863.
The department of the South'snew commander.
Brigadier general Quincy, aGilmore prepared for an army and
Navy operation againstCharleston Harbor slated for
that summer.
As it was the opening scene ofthe civil war with the firing on
(04:59):
Fort Sumter.
The Confederate since 1861strengthened the defenses of the
Harbor with construction ofseveral fortifications, which
included batteries, Wagner andGreg on Morris island Among many
other fortifications.
In early July, the 10th Corpslanded on folly island.
(05:22):
Which was adjacent to moresilent and situated at the
Southern mouth of CharlestonHarbor.
Alongside the first usartillery, third us artillery,
and the third New Yorkartillery.
Five companies from the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery
assisted the infantry.
As it crossed an inlet, Tamarasilent.
(05:44):
And assaulted a lighthouse heldby the Confederates on 10 July.
According to chaplain Dennison,there are more mint included.
Company B with six, 10 inchsiege mortars.
Company C with two, three inchordinance rifles and two 30
(06:06):
pounder Parrott rifles.
Company D with eight 30 pounderParrott rifles.
Company I with four 20 pounderParrott rifles.
And company M with five eightinch siege, mortars and four 10
inch siege mortars.
(06:27):
Following the successfulcrossing, Tamara silent, the
10th Corps established newfortifications in the vicinity
of Fort Wagner, but also withinartillery range of Fort Sumpter.
The Rhode Islanders again,supported the infantry and their
assaults upon Ford Wagner on 10to 11 and 18 July in which all
(06:49):
failed to carry thefortifications.
Brigadier general Gilmorechanged his approach to take
Fort Wagner.
In order for the infantry andMarines to dig SAP trenches.
Chaplain Dennison.
And the third Rhode Island heavyartillery shifted their focus to
erecting breachingfortifications against Fort
(07:09):
Sumpter.
Which drew the attention of theConfederate artillery from
across Charleston Harbor.
Just as a note, Fort Johnson waslocated on James island and
Northwest of Morris island.
Fort Moultrie was across theHarbor on Sullivan's island.
And Fort Sumpter is at the mouthof the Harbor.
(07:33):
Just save as far as possible,the lives of the fatigue parties
engaged in constructing thebatteries and parallels.
Uh, watch was set on the highestpoints of the works on the
front.
To observe the puffs of smokefrom the enemies guns and give
warning, calling the name of theFort from which the missile was
(07:53):
coming thus.
Johnson.
Cover.
Mold tree.
Cover.
Sumter cover.
(08:19):
The men, if possible with throwthemselves under their
protections, splinter proofs andembankments until the shot had
done its work.
Colonel Alfred RET commander ofthe first South Carolina
artillery and Fort Sumpter.
Noted the progress of the unionin placements.
(08:40):
Following the failed 18 Julyassault.
as the Rhode Islanders worked onthere and placements, the other
union artillery regimentscontinued to engage with Fort
Wagner and Sumpter as well asother fortifications.
July 20 at 2:00 PM.
Uh, shell from enemies batteriesstruck the Fort and a continuous
(09:03):
fire was kept up until dark.
At 3:30 PM.
Captain Mitchell's battery onshell point opened fire.
At 3 57 Fort Sumpter, open fireon iron signs and enemies
batteries.
July 21.
The enemy have erected threebatteries.
This side of Graham'sheadquarters.
(09:26):
We can see apparently six newembrasures also extending the
battery across the island.
The enemy have apparentlymounted eight new guns on their
batteries.
Though Colonel Rhett recognizethat the union army was
constructing more in placements.
He could not see all of thefiring positions.
(09:48):
And the heavier caliberartillery that the 10th Corps
brought to Morris island by lateJuly.
For context, the batteries wherethe firing positions and the
companies occupied them.
This excerpt combines theartillery dispositions provided
by Brigadier general.
John W.
Turner.
Chief of artillery for thebombardment of Fort Sumpter.
(10:11):
And chaplain Denison.
For accurate company placementof the third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
The first parallel.
Battery Reynolds company Bthird, Rhode Island, heavy
artillery.
With five, 10 inch siegemortars.
(10:31):
The Naval battery.
Detach sailors from the frigateWabash with two, 200 pounder
Parrott rifles and two 80pounder.
Whitworth's.
Battery weed.
Company H and D seventh,Connecticut infantry.
With five, 10 inch siegemortars.
(10:54):
The second parallel.
Battery brown.
Company I third Rhode Island.
With two, 200 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery rose Kranz company, M.
Third Rhode Island with three,100 pounder Parrott rifles.
Battery Mead company M.
(11:16):
Third, Rhode Island.
With two, 100 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Kearney company C and Kseventh, Connecticut infantry.
With three 30 pounder pairedrifles.
The left batteries.
Battery haze company, D thirdRhode Island.
(11:39):
With seven 30 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Reno.
Company H third Rhode Islandwith one, 200 pounder parrot
rifle.
And to 100 pounder pairedrifles.
Battery Stephens company Cfifth, us artillery.
With to 100 pounder Parrottrifles.
(12:02):
Battery strong.
Company I seventh Connecticutinfantry.
With one, 300 pounder parrotrifle.
And at battery Kirby, detachmentof the 11th main infantry.
With two 10 inch sea coastmortars.
With these batteries in place 39pieces of heavy artillery and
(12:26):
Varian calibers now trained uponFort Sumpter.
And on 17 August, 1863.
Brigadier general Gilmoreordered the bombardment of Fort
Sumpter to commence.
Brigadier general Turner in hisreport gives the honor of the
first shot to company.
I third, Rhode Island, heavyartillery.
(12:47):
All firing done that day was bythe third Rhode Island.
Save from battery Kirby and theNavy.
Battery brown opened with oneeight inch meaning a 200 pounder
parrot rifle.
Throwing shell.
Meaning explosive.
Battery Rosecrans, one gunthrowing shell and the other two
(13:10):
shot.
Meaning a solid projectile.
Battery Mead, both pieces,throwing shell.
Naval battery.
The parents throwing shell andthe Whitworth's shot.
Battery Hayes one, 200 pounderthrowing shot.
It's battery Kirby, throwingmortar shell.
(13:31):
On 18 August battery Reno joinedin the bombardment.
And by the 19th.
All batteries on Morris islandwere operational and firing on
Fort Sumpter, Wagner battery,Gregg, and other fortifications.
If need be.
Chaplain Denison in hisregimental history disagrees on
(13:53):
the date.
And what piece fired upon FortSumpter first?
But given that Brigadier generalTurner wrote his report on eight
September, 1863.
His account is seen as moreaccurate.
Besides being with the thirdRhode Island, heavy artillery
and the fortifications.
Chaplain Denison performed allof the duties expected from an
(14:16):
army chaplain while on theisland.
My duties on Maura silent duringthe bombardment of Fort Sumpter
and the city of Charleston,where numerous and onerous.
At times I was the only chaplainon the island.
And was there for call toofficiate for different
regiments in Sabbath servicesand the burial of their dead.
(14:38):
Here too, came some duties inthe field hospital.
And some cooperation of thedevoted agents of the sanitary
commission and the Christiancommission.
Who's ministries to the soldierson the front inaction and to the
suffering in the hospitals wereof great value.
The bombardment, which began inAugust, continued into September
(15:02):
and Fort Sumpter was reduced toa shadow of its former self.
Despite this heavy bombardment,it was still not enough to drive
the Confederate Garrison fromthere and placements.
Though tenacious in theirdefense.
Chaplain Denison still feltbitterly toward the Confederates
they faced.
(15:23):
We're at trees and smote istreason Smit.
This is in reference to the usconstitution.
Article three, section three.
Clause one.
Which states.
Treason against the UnitedStates, shotgun cyst only in
levying war against them.
And he continues.
(15:44):
Fort Sumpter was alreadysilenced.
It's Barbette guns had beenoverthrown and its parapet cut
away.
Its Gorge wall was a vast ruin.
And all its embrasures facingmore silent.
Had been cut out.
Still the enemy, held it with aGarrison and waved over it.
(16:05):
The Confederate flag.
And managed to occasionally firea small gun.
As we opened new cavities in thewalls.
The rebels filled them with logsand bags of sand.
Nothing however would satisfyus, but the complete destruction
of the work that had proudlydefied us.
(16:26):
On 15, September, 1863,Brigadier general Gilmore
published a letter to all thosewho participated in the
bombardment of Fort Sumpter andthe assaults and final capture
of Fort Wagner and battery,Greg.
Though congratulatory and tone.
It also reminded the men of the10th Corps that their work on
(16:47):
Morris island was far from over.
The Fort has been in possessionof the enemy for more than two
years.
Has been as pride and boast hasbeen strengthened by every
appliance, known to militaryscience.
And has defied the assaults ofthe most powerful and Gallant
fleet the world ever saw.
(17:09):
But as yielded to your courageand patient labor.
It's walls are now crumbled toruins.
It's formidable batteries aresilenced.
And though a hostile flag stillfloats over it.
The Fort is a harmless andhelpless wreck.
And he continues.
You now hold an undisputedpossession, the whole of Morris
(17:31):
island.
And the city and Harbor ofCharleston lie at the mercy of
your artillery from the veryspot where the first shot was
fired at your country's flag.
And the rebellion itself wasinaugurated.
With more silent, fully securedby the 10th Corps and Fort
Sumpter effectively neutralizedas a significant threat.
(17:54):
The second battle of CharlestonHarbor was over.
The Confederates, however, stillhad plenty of fight left in
them.
And Charleston Harbor remainedan active theater of operations
until February, 1865.
When the city finally fell.
Throughout that time elements ofthe third Rhode Island, heavy
artillery were present on Morrisisland firing upon Confederate
(18:18):
fortifications and the city ofCharleston daily.
In October of 1863, Brigadiergeneral Gilmore ordered metals
of honor, issued to soldiers whoparticipated in the operations
on Morris island, such as theinfantry assaults.
But also to see J operationsagainst Fort Sumpter.
(18:41):
The metal.
Should be awarded to 3% of theaggregated strength of the
regiments companies anddetachments and the actions in
the batteries and trenches.
10 men from the third RhodeIsland, heavy artillery received
this metal in 1864.
But if you search any of theirnames and the medal of honor
(19:01):
database, there is no mention ofthem.
Well, the us army did revoke 911metals of honor, given during
the civil war in 1917.
It seems Brigadier generalGilmore awarded a medal of honor
of his own volition.
The metal Avanir during thecivil war featured an inverted
(19:22):
star with Minerva repulsingdiscord with a shield.
According to chaplain Dennison,the Rhode Islanders received
something completely different.
And what is known today as theGilmore metal.
The metals were made of choiceprize metal.
All of colored.
Larger than a half dollar piece.
(19:44):
Very finely rot.
With ornaments and mottoes andrelief, the face reading.
For Gallant and meritoriousconduct.
Presented by major general Q aGilmore.
The odd verse reading.
Fort Sumpter, August 23rd, 1863,with a relief view of the
demolished Fort.
(20:06):
Chaplin Frederick Denisonpublished shot and shell.
The third Rhode Island, heavyartillery regiment in the
rebellion.
1861 to 1865 in 1879.
For the members of theregimental association.
From the second meeting in Julyof 1873.
The association commissioned thework, which drew on officers and
(20:29):
soldiers accounts across theentire regiment.
The association was also activein the development of the book.
And by the eighth meeting, theyapproved the history, which was
published that same year.
In 1893, Frederick Denisonpublished a narrative entitled a
chaplain's experience in theunion army.
(20:50):
Which focused on his time in thefirst Rhode Island cavalry and
the third Rhode Island, heavyartillery.
Thank you for listening to the37th episode.
The link to chaplain Denison'sbook is now available on the
podcast website.
First person, civil war,podcast.com.
(21:11):
On Facebook, Instagram, X, andLinkedIn.
This week, you will findpictures of.
Battery Reynolds company B.
Third, Rhode Island, heavyartillery with their 10 inch
siege mortars.
Uh, damaged breach from a 200pounder parrot rifle of battery
brown company.
I third Rhode Island.
(21:34):
And battery Rosecrans company, Mthird Rhode Island, heavy
artillery with their 100 pounderParrott rifles.
Picture credits to loc.gov.
If you would like an account ofthe Marines conducting C J
operations on Morris island andthe final assault upon Fort
Wagner.
(21:54):
Please check out episode 11 ofthe podcast entitled.
Second Lieutenant FrederickTomlinson, Pete and the United
States Marine Corps at the siegeof Fort Wagner.
In two weeks time, major JosephL Brent commander of the CSS
queen of the west and CSS web.
(22:16):
Provides next episodes, firstperson account.
At the capture.
Of the ironclad USS Indianola.
My name is bill Coughlin.
And thank you for listening tofirst person civil war podcast.
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