Author: Dan O’Connell
-
Gaining a Foothold on Morris Island – July 10-11, 1863 Part 3
Success, Failure, and Reconsideration Although the flanking move by the 6th Connecticut was in large part responsible for the collapse of the Confederate defense south of Battery Wagner they paid an unexpected price for their success. They had surprised the enemy and their own troops as well. As the 3rd New Hampshire moved around the […]
-
Gaining a Foothold on Morris Island – July 10-11, 1863 Part 2
“The Very Boldness of the Project” Vigorous preparations were made during the short window of time available. Troops from BG George C. Strong’s Brigade were designated as the spearhead. Three days of rations were prepared and final inspections conducted. Because the assault was planned as a night attack, a band of white flannel was sewn […]
-
Gaining a Foothold on Morris Island – July 10-11, 1863 Part 1
Background and Plan The nasty battle for Morris Island, South Carolina in the summer of 1863 was highlighted by the failed attempt of the 54th Massachusetts and other regiments on 18 July. The bold attempt, depicted in the film Glory, is most of what people know about the lengthy fight for control of this island […]
-
The Fight at Chapman’s Mill Part 2
“Battle for Right of Way” Word that possession of the gap was in doubt hastened Ricketts march. At Haymarket all unnecessary equipment was discarded into large piles. Skirmishers were posted and a rapid march toward the firing was commenced. About one mile from the gap the advancing column ran into Wyndham’s retreating troopers. Having been […]
-
The Fight at Chapman’s Mill Part 1
Introduction The early summer of 1862 saw the fate of Federal forces in the east taking a serious turn for the worse. McClellan’s greatly anticipated Peninsular Campaign had ground to a halt under the weight of Seven Day’s Battle losses and the commander’s timid approach. The result of four months of campaigning left the Army […]
-
Burnside Expedition Conclusion
Combined Failure No further major operations were undertaken by Burnside as his expedition became inexorably linked to the success of the Peninsula Campaign. As early as April 2 the two campaigns became associated when McClellan wrote to Burnside; “…if I succeed in driving the enemy out of Richmond I will at once throw a strong […]
-
Burnside Expedition Part 7
South Mills (Camden) – 19 April 1862 While the preparations for the siege of Fort Macon were being made another issue came to the attention of Burnside. It was believed that the Confederates were constructing ironclad ships at Norfolk with the intention of passing them down the Dismal Swamp Canal into Albemarle Sound. In an […]