Morris Island Secretly Evacuated By Confederates

SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1863-- After having been under constant bombardment for sixty days, Confederate forces secretly abandoned Morris Island by boat at night. Fort Wagner's commander, Col. Lawrence M. Keitt reported that the continuous bombardment, especially from guns on the USS New Ironsides, had killed 100 of his 900 men on September 5th alone.

Charleston commander, General Beauregard agreed it was time to leave the island. Covered by the CSS Charleston and on barges manned by sailors, the garrisons of Gregg and Wagner were evacuated. Union forces did not become aware of the operation until the last group was taken off.

---Old B-Runner