From the 104th Regiment, Pa. Vols.

JAMES’ ISLAND, S. C., July 14, 1863.

Messrs. Editors :—On the evening of the 6th, we re-

ceived orders to be in readiness to move at a moment’s

notice.  We retired to our bed-chambers, once more to

enjoy a night’s rest beneath the canvas roofing of our

splendid residences.  Much to our good wishes, we rested

until early daylight, when we were awakened by the pes-

tering drum-corps, for roll call, green backs, and the ex-

pected movement.  Now all was bustle and activity—

Company A, from the plantation, Companies B, C and H,

from the batteries, and the men on Provost Guard were

now arriving with their baggage.  Here, also, are some

three pay-masters, delivering to the boys their hard-

earned wages.  Soon the little village of Beaufort is filled

to overflowing with contractors for wearing apparel, dried

beef, cheese, &c, for the march.  Here, too, is the Chap-

lain, receiving the amount that the boys are willing to

dispose of for the dependent ones at home, or for those

who wish it put under lock and key for them until their

return to a land of peace and prosperity, so that they

may invest it in a snug little wife and a neat cottage , to

populate our land with a better, truer, more refined, land

a more christian like people.

By noon everything is ready, and we now form in line,

and with the Brigade brass band on the lead, charming

us with its merry tunes, we take up our line of march to

the wharf, passing the multitude of lookers on who

throng together, more to bear the music than to see the

loaded soldiers, who, with their houses and bedding, are

tramping in the sand, echoing their steps with the sound

of the music, which will soon carry them aboard the

steamer Delaware.  All are soon aboard, and we then

wind our way down to Hilton Head, leaving behind ?

little Beaufort and all its surroundings—its encampments

layed out in the most approved style, with ornamental

plots of grass, decorated with sweet flowers—its

churches, stores, eating-saloons, beer shops, Stevens’

House, where the subordinate officers throng to get their

“ mean old sherry,” so that they will be “ more capable”

of leading us into battle.  As music has its charms, so

also has Beaufort.

We arrive at Hilton Head and remain a short time,

when we glide swiftly out to sea, and proceed in a north

easterly direction till we at last (about two o’clock) find

ourselves near the wharf at Folly Island.  The steamer

Boston, with the 52d P. V., was at the wharf unloading

when we arrived, and we were delayed somewhat.  Our

pilot had got lost, and had taken us out of the way con-

siderably, which accounts for the 521 being at their des-

tination first.  Before daybreak the regiment marched

to a place of engagement, while I, with a number of oth-

ers, was detailed to remain back with the baggage and

stores.  After two days’ work in the sun, loading the bag-

gage for camp, it was again all returned and unloaded, to

be put aboard the boat for some other point, wherever our

troops should go.  Soon the regiment was again at the

wharf, and on the afternoon of the 9th, we go aboard the

steamer, and, towards evening, proceed up Stono to a point

on James’ Island, when we land in surf boats, about 8

o’clock, P. M.  We are accompanied up to James’ Island

by eight or ten transport steamers, a Monitor, gun-boat;

and mortar schooner.  We take the lead of the transports,

but the latter named are soon ahead of us.  We advance

about three-fourths of a mile, when we halt in line of

battle and remain so during the night.  In the morning

at sunrise the “ ball” opens on Folly and Morris Islands,

when we advance on James’ Island.  We skirmish and

drive the rebel pickets within three-miles of Secession-

ville, when we halt, and after a short rest the regiment

retires to a piece of woods, where we remain during the

day and night, with equipments on and arms by our sides.

The bombardment on Morris and Folly Islands is one

continual roar of cannon till noon.  It then ceases to be

such a continuous roar, and the report reaches us that all

the batteries on Morris Island are taken, except the Com-

mings’s Point iron-plated battery, and with 200 prisoners

Since then and up to this day we have had no more news

as regards the bombardment.  Not much really has been

heard since the first day of the fight.

On this island our advance picket is somewhat over two

miles from Secessionville, where the rebels are strongly

fortified.  To advance up to their works we have only a

narrow causeway, which on both sides is a complete

swamp.  At this place our forces were badly beaten more

than a year ago.  How soon we will make a forward

movement on this island, or make any more progress on

Morris Island, is yet to be seen.  We have now a Connec-

ticut battery here, with four places, and, I think, with

them and the gun-boats, we could give the rebels a pretty

good round.  We may, perhaps, lay siege to their works

before we attempt to drive them out.  Reports from Mor-

ris Island say that a Connecticut regiment charged on

Fort Wagner, the other night and succeeded in getting

upon the ramparts ; but the 76th Penna regiment broke

and ran, consequently our forces were repulsed.  Fort

Wagner is now reported taken, but not from a reliable

source.  Charleston may withstand a long siege, but I am

confident that it will fall.

Gene Terry and Stephenson are in command here.—

Col. Montgomery is also here with part of his colored

troops.  I suppose there are about six thousand Infantry

troops here.  We can see Fort Sumter quite plain, being

four miles from it, five from Charleston, and three from

Secessionville.  I learn that Gen. Gillmore’s headquarters

will be on Folly Island.  Folly Island is principally an

island of sand banks, while James’ Island is mostly

swamps, so we cannot speak of either as being very pro-

ductive.

Beaufort, on the Fourth, was celebrated by the 104th,

with a barrel of ale to each company—I suppose a pres-

ent to the boys out of the company’s funds.  It may be

a “ great benefit” for those that love the article, but the

writer has no relish for it whatever Emory paper,

blacking, thread, or some other more useful article

would be preferable.

The 521 celebrated the 4th by prayer, by Chaplain

Gries, and the reading of the Declaration of Indepen-

dence, by Major Cunningham, and a speech, by Col. Hig-

ginson, which was entertaining to all true lovers of the

Union ; also Benediction, by Chap. Gries.  After this,

climbing the greased pole, sack race, pimping, pig race,

wheelbarrow race, &c., &c.  Five dollars each were

awarded to the best man on each of the performances.

We have news from the North up to date of the 6th

and 7th inst., which is indeed very cheering for the ope-

rations on Charleston.  As the Army of the Potomac and

the Western Army have been so successful, they may look

for the speedy downfall of the first seceding town, and

the fort which was first fired upon.

FOLLY ISLAND, S. C., July 19th, 1863.

On the afternoon of the 15th, all the regiments on

James’ Island fell into line at double quick, on short

notice, and formed line of battle, as it was reported that

the enemy was advancing.  The 52d P. V., 56th N. Y.,

and those of the 104th marked off duty by the Surgeon,

with the few not on picket, formed the second line of bat-

tle.  After a few moments, all were ordered to retire to

their encampments, as it was believed that the enemy

was not going to attack us.  All kept quiet until the

succeeding day (the 16th); when, at early daylight picket

firing was heard, and soon a rebel battery was hurtling

shot and shell at the gunboat Pawnee.  Picket firing

grew hotter, and soon a courier came galloping down the

road, and announced at headquarters that the enemy was

advancing.  The 104th formed in line immediately, as

did the other regiments, and the whole force was speedily

in line of battle—but not too soon, for the enemy was

upon us, shelling our camp with a battery of three pieces,

and blazing away at us with musketry.  Heavy firing

was kept up upon the Pawnee, and much anxiety was

felt in regard to her fate, for some time elapsed before

she opened fire.  The rebel battery did not shell our

camps long, as the 1st Conn. Artillery soon put in a de-

murrer, and the accurate firing of our gunners soon forced

the rebels to haul off their pieces, and their infantry and

cavalry also retired to a place of safety.  After a brief

silence, the gunboats opened fire, and in less than an

hour the rebels were driven back.  We then retired to

find some breakfast, and to ascertain what damage had

been done to our own and our neighbors’ ranks.  We

did not fire a gun or lose a man, but the 54th Massa-

chusetts (colored) regiment suffered heavily.  They were

on picket at the time, but nevertheless fought bravely,

killing and wounding many of the enemy.  When asked

to surrender, many of the 54th replied, “ No ! we ask no

quarter from you, and show none!”  The bayonet, butt

of the gun, or ball, as they saw fit, were used ; and some,

after being wounded, would fire all their ammunition be-

fore they would retire.  One poor fellow had three balls

through him, yet he knelt down and fired away, until he

used up all his cartridges.  Another one was badly shot,

yet he would not cease fighting until the lock of his gun

was broken, and then he brought off the musket, to show

that he would not surrender it to the enemy.  As they

would not yield, the rebels instantly killed those whom

they overcome.  Many of the colored wounded, refusing

to rise when ordered by the rebels, were bayoneted by

them.  I header of but one instance in which a colored sol-

dier was treated with any kindness by the rebels.  One of

the rebels seemed very kind ; he gave one of the 54th a

canteen of whiskey, bandaged his wound, and bathed it

with water.  Such acts of kindness are rare.  The negro

soldiers are usually treated in this style : “ Get up, you

—black Yankee son of a —, or I’ll give you — !” 

Many of the 54th waded the swamp and swam the river,

rather than surrender to their brutal foes.  The 54th lost

about 30 in killed and wounded, on the 16th.  The rebel

loss was far heavier.  The other Union regiments lost but

very few.  The Connecticut battery had one man wounded

and three horses killed.  The gunboat Pawnee received

52 shots, but it was not disabled.  We captured three

prisoners,.  Our going to James’ Island was merely “ play-

ing smart” on the rebels, while our troops attacked

them on Morris Island.  After we had built a bridge and

done our errand, we retreated on the night of the 16th,

crossing swamps ravines and streams, to Cole’s Island, ar-

riving at the south point of the island at sunrise.  The

night was rainy and very dark, making our march te-

dious ; but we arrived safely at our destination.  The 10th

Conn., 21 S. C., 54th Mass and 56th N. Y. came on our

route, while the 97th and 52d P. V.’s, the 24th Mass. and

the 1st Conn. Artillery got aboard transports at the land-

ing.  We remained on Cole’s Island during the 17th and

until 3 p. m. on the 18th, when we got aboard the steam-

er Boston, and went up to the eastern extremity of Folly

Island, where the 104th P. V. and the 56th N. Y. were

landed.

On the morning of the 18th the ball opened at fort

Wagner.  The bombardment was not heavy until after-

noon, when it became terrific.  Shells bursted high in the

air, and a great column of smoke rose in a vast body

and spread far and wide in the air.  cannonading was

very heavy until towards twilight, when the enemy

ceased firing, and it was said we had silenced his guns.—

A charge was now ordered, which was undertaken by the

62d Ohio, 54th Mass and various other regiments.  When

almost within reach of the Fort, the enemy again opened

with grape and canister, and mowed down our men terri-

bly.  After being repulsed in two charges, they made a

third, with success, and entered the works, but the firing

was so hot that they were forced to give way.  They were

shown on quarter, and the carnage was awful.  The 62d

Ohio and 54th Mass. were terribly cut up during the fight,

and Col. Shaw, of the 54th, was killed, with the Lieut-

Colonel and Major, and nearly all the line officers were

killed or wounded, the ninth ranking Captain command-

ing the regiment.  Here again was shown the bravery of

the 54th.  Well may Massachusetts boast and feel proud

of here colored soldiers!  Although the men come from va-

rious States, yet Massachusetts must and will receive the

praise.  While other regiments did good service, and are

deserving of much credit, yet none have been so much

talked of as the 54th.  They have shown to all that they

shrink not from their duty.  Many who thought hitherto

that they would not fight, have ? changed that opinion,

and claim for the negro soldiers a high esteem.  They

are willing for them to take the lead, when there is such

a fort as Wagner to take, for the reason that they can de-

pend upon them doing good execution, and winning the

victory if possible.  The 100th N. Y., I believe, took part

in the charges; and lost heavily.  From the reports we

receive, we are inclined to believe that we were repulsed. 

But little firing has been done to-day.  A detail from our

regiment has been hard at work all day, unloading com-

missary stores and baggage from the steamer Boston.  the

47th N. Y. landed here this afternoon.  They came from

some island on the coast of Georgia.  I think we will have

to be considerably reinforced before we can take and hold

the works.  The prisoners we took on James’ Island re-

port that the enemy is being reinforced.  One of the pris-

oners said that he had just come from Richmond.  Noth-

ing satisfactory could be obtained from them.

IN CAMP July 20.—Most of the detail returned from

the wharf, and arrived at the camp at 11 a. m.  We found

the regiment encamped near the north end of Folly Island,

the tents being pitched in a hollow, with an embankment

on either side.  The men seem happy and contented, as

money is plenty, and sutlers quite numerous.  Sumter is

plainly visible.  The walls wear a reddish brown hue—

The rebel flag waves defiantly over it, and seems to beckon

us on.  Fort Sumter cannot stand, if we once get full pos-

session of Wagner, which is now the chief point of attack. 

The monitors and gunboats keep pounding, away at it.—

I hope that before I mail this some good news will be ob-

tained?  Since arriving here, I learn that those regiments

which charged on Wagner during the night of the 18th,

volunteered to do it.  Such regiments are deserving of

high honor for their bravery, though it seems rashness to

undertake such work.  Several prisoners passed our camp

to-day, including an officer.  Firing is still going on, but

nothing satisfactory has been heard from the front to-day. 

We are on duty nearly all the time.  There is a mailfor

us at Hilton head, and we hope to get it some of these

days.                                     Yours,                  T. C.