Archive Record
Metadata
Accession number |
1999.162 |
Catalog Number |
1999.162 |
Collection |
Pearce Civil War Collection |
Object Name |
Letter |
Title |
Eddy (Martin B.) Papers, 1863 |
Creator |
Eddy (Martin B.) |
Date |
August 1, 1863 |
Dates of Creation |
August 1, 1863 |
Scope & Content |
This five page letter written to Martin's brother describes in great detail the battle for Charleston Harbor on July 10-18, 1863. He was involved in the Union action on Morris Island that attempted to take Fort Wagner. On the 10th, four companies of the 7th Connecticut Volunteers of General George C. Strong's Brigade landed first to the left of the batteries. Martin's company landed right in front of those ten gun batteries without suffering many casualties. On the 11thth, Colonel Rodman volunteered the 7th Connecticut to lead a charge on Fort Wagner with General Strong of the 76th Pennsylvania Zouaves and the 9th Massachusetts regiment as support. When the 7th charged into the fort, their support "ran away". In their retreat, the 7th lost most of their officers and over half of their men. Those remaining started building batteries at night to make another assault on the fort. On the 18th, they started a bombardment with 40 guns, 5 monitors, the ironsides and four wooden gun boats. They kept up the attack all day and at dusk an assault was ordered. Martin said "we were formed on the right, the 54th Massachusetts niggers on the center, and the 3rd New Hampshire on the left". They were able to take and hold a portion of the fort for three hours before their Colonel was shot trying to rally a charge. When a retreat was ordered, Martin suffered a bayonet wound in his foot. The regiment lost 163 of their 250 members. |
Finding Aids |
Available in the archives or online at www.pearcecollections.us |
People |
Eddy, Martin B. |
Search Terms |
Charleston (Seige of) 76th Pennsylvania Zouaves 7th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry 9th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 6th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Battle of Fort Wagner |
Credit line |
Pearce Civil War Collection |
Copyrights |
The copyright of these materials is managed by the Navarro College Archives on behalf of the Navarro College Foundation, 3100 W. Collin St., Corsicana, Texas 75110 Phone: 903-875-7438. Internet: archives@navarrocollege.edu. Reproductions of original materials and transcriptions may be available. Please contact the archivist for further information. |
Physical characteristics |
1 letter |