July 17, 1863: Dahlgren Is Preparing for Renewed Attack on Fort Wahner

JULY 17TH, 1863:  Rear Admiral Dahlgren, preparing to renew the attack on Fort Wagner, wrote Secretary Welles about his critical shortage of men in his squadron.  Men were being required to bombard by day and blockade by night.

The Admiral asked for 500 Marines:  "There will be occasion for them."

On July 28 Welles informed Dahlgren that the USS Aries had departed Boston with 200 men and upon her return from Charleston would bring 200 more sailors from New York to him.  He added, "A battalion of marines, about 400 in number, will leave New York on the steamer Arago on Friday next."

Old B-Runner