DeSaussure, Wilmot G. (Wilmot Gibbes) (1822-1886) to Milledge Luke Bonham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06373 Author/Creator: DeSaussure, Wilmot G. (Wilmot Gibbes) (1822-1886) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.5 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
DeSaussure, possibly a member of the South Carolina General Assembly, discusses a proposed Assembly meeting. Informs Bonham, Governor of South Carolina, "The command under me is of such a character that were I to leave here... I believe they could not be held together in any harmony or concert whatever, and that it would lead to much confusion at a time when concert of action is so greatly needed. This is not said from any egotism or vanity... but simply arises from the fact that having for over two years been regarded by whatever militia organization there has been in Charleston as a common head." Predicts that if he were to leave his post, disagreement would arise between Colonel Mcgrath's and Colonel Wagener's regiments. Informs Bonham "The enemy are very hard at work. At battery Wagner they have placed a heavy battery on the marsh face looking towards James Island... From it doubtless they propose to fire upon the James Island batteries." Mentions Union activity at Fort Gregg and other locations in the Charleston Harbor. Cites the arrival of Blakely guns and a new torpedo boat. Referring to Generals Henry Alexander Wise and Roswell Sabine Ripley.
Charleston 20 September 1863
His Excellency
Governor M.L. Bonham
Columbia SoCa
Sir.
On last Sunday evening I looked into your quarters in Meeting Street, but found no one at home. At that time, I did not know of the proposed call of the General Assembly, or I should certainly have returned at a later hour.
Unless your Excellency especially desires me to attend at this session, I do not propose doing so. The command under me is of such a character that were I to leave here, I am frank to say I believe they could not be held together in any harmony or concert whatever, and that it would lead to much confusion at a time when concert of action is so greatly needed. This is not said from any egotism or vanity in believing myself able to do better than other officers, but simply arises from the fact that having for over two years been regarded by whatever militia organization there has been in Charleston as a common head, they harmonize around me better than they would among themselves: for a controversy would immediately arise between Col Magraths Regiment & Col Wageners. Under the circumstances therefore, I have after much deliberation, thought that it was more expedient that I should remain here.
The enemy are very hard at work. At battery Wagner they have placed a heavy battery on the marsh face looking towards James Island. While we held that work, this face was comparatively weak inasmuch as it was to operate against nothing, but in the hands of the yankees it [2] changes its importance and becomes one of offence, not mere defence. From it doubtless they propose to fire upon the James Island batteries., and judging from its embrasures, I think some of its guns are intended to operate against the inner harbor and against the City. At Gregg, they have reversed the works so as to turn the guns against Sumter & Sullivan's Island, and have thrown up very heavy merlons to protect their guns from the batteries at Fort Johnson. Their work at Gregg is marked by these merlons, but it is believed they are moving Parrott guns down to that point. The enemy have been very quiet doing very little firing, and our batteries fire slowly at intervals so as to disturb their fatigue parties. On yesterday the second of the Blakely guns arrived here. I have not learned whether it is intended to mount it. A new torpedo boat has been completed, it lies very low in the water being segar shaped and showing at its centre about three feet of height: there is hope that it will accomplish something. It was to have gone out on Friday night, but there was too much light. The mobile boat has also been raised and is again in the hands of the naval officers.
Should any thing of interest occur I will immediately inform your Excellency of it.
There is some apprehension felt of a confusion arising from Genl Wise being ordered here with his Brigade: Genl Wise ranks Genl Ripley.
I am Sir with great respect
Your Excellency's Obt Sert
Wilmot G. DeSaussure A.D.C.
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