150 Years Ago: November 2-3, 1863-- Operations at Fort Sumter

NOVEMBER 2-3RD.

Lt. Cmdr. Greenleaf Gilley of the USS Catskill reported on Confederate operations at Fort Sumter to meet any Union attempts to breech the obstructions between Forts Sumter and Moultrie as the furious Union bombardment of Fort Sumter continued.

He reported: "Two boats under sail were seen moving from Sumter towards Sullivan's Island. About 11 p.m. a balloon with two lights attached arose from Sumter and floated toward Fort Johnson.... At midnight a steamer left Sumter and moved toward Fort Johnson.

At sunrise...observed the three rams [CSS Charleson, Chicora and Palmetto State] and the sidewheel steamer anchored in line of battle ahead from Johnson toward Charleston, and each with its torpedo topped up forward of the bows."

Being Vigilant, Very Vigilant. --Old B-Runnee