Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ...Island. Axemen felled the interposing trees, and the concealed battery opened fire on the Confederate lines. The garrison was on the alert. Just at break of day on the nth, the Seventh Connecticut regiment charged the works, and went over the outer line, through a terrible fire from the Confederate rifles. The fort opened on them with three howitzers, and they were routed. Although this assault on Fort Wagner was repulsed, the neglect to make reconnoissances in time to prevent the battery on Folly Island from being established, compelled the evacuation of Morris Island, except Forts Wagner and Gregg. General Beauregard subsequently used all his enmneerincr skill, and for two months maintained a gallant struggle and kept the enemy at bay. On July i8th, the Federal fleet poured a terrific fire into Fort Wagner, but without reducing it. As the curtain of smoke, which had enveloped Wagner all day, slowly lifted, the enemy were seen debouching from their first parallel, and advancing over the narrow approach between it and the fort. The garrison of Wagner sallied forth from the bomb-proof and sand hills in the rear, to take their positions on the ramparts. Colonel Robert G. Shaw, with his colored troops, led the attack. "They went forward at a ' double quick ' with great energy and resolution, but on approaching the ditch they broke; the greater part of them followed their Colonel, mounted the parapet, and planted their flag upon the rampart, where Shaw was shot dead; while the rest were seized with a furious panic, and acted like wild beasts let loose from a menagerie. "They ran away like deer, some crawling on their hands and knees." By this time the enemy was in full retreat, and the conflict was virtually ended. The...
