Episode 37: CH Frederick Denison and the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery at the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor

At the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor, July – September 1863, CH Denison and the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery supported the X Army Corps as it occupied Morris Island at the mouth of the Harbor and assaulted Fort Wagner in July. In the wake of these failed assaults, BG Gillmore, the Union Army commander, ordered the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery and several other units to dig gun emplacements for siege artillery. On 17 August, the Rhode Islanders fired the first shots of a bombardment that eventually reduced Fort Sumter to rubble.

Sources used for this episode:

 Denison, Frederick. Shot and Shell: The Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment in the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Providence: J. A. & R. A. Reid, 1879. https://www.loc.gov/item/07038069/.

 Denison, Frederick. A Chaplain’s Experience in the Union Army. Providence: Providence Historical Society, 1893. https://archive.org/details/05590038.3497.emory.edu/page/n3/mode/2up.

 Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederates Armies. ser. 1, vol. 28, pt. 1: Reports. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077699779&view=1up&seq=3.

Transcript

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Hello everyone. My name is bill Coughlin and welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers on the ground in the battles of the civil war. Episode 37 is entitled chaplain, Frederick Denison, and the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery at the second battle of Charleston Harbor and relies on two books that he published. Uh, regimental history entitled shot and shell, the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery regiment in the rebellion. 1861 to 1865. Published in 1879. And a personal narrative entitled a chaplain's experience in the union army. Which he published in 1893. Frederick Denison was born on 28, September 18, 19 in Stonington, Connecticut. And had deep roots in the region. His family could trace a presence in Stonington back to 1650, which became a trading post the year before. And incorporated as a town, 12 years later. While learning the trade of carpentry. He decided to become a Baptist preacher. After four years of college at brown university and a few years of preaching. Frederick Denison was ordained as a Baptist pastor in Norwich, Connecticut, sometime around 1850. By 1859, Reverend Denison relocated to a church in central falls, Rhode Island, and became openly critical of slavery. At the beginning of the war, Frederick Denison was the chaplain of the Pawtucket light guard. Uh, local militia company. And volunteered for service as the chaplain of the first Rhode Island cavalry. Until 1863. When he became the chaplain of the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery. Formed in late 1861. The third Rhode Island, heavy artillery regiment consisted of 12 batteries in total and was assigned to the 10th Corps, which operated in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Unlike infantry regiments, which had all companies operating as a single unit on a battlefield. It was a rarity for an artillery regiment to do so. Three batteries participated in the 1862 battle of Fort Pulaski where their heavy guns were instrumental in breaching. What was thought to be impregnable walls. While six batteries were present at the battle of secession Ville. Chaplin Denison was assigned to the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery in January of 1863. And arrive the next month in Hilton head, South Carolina. Where the regimental headquarters and several of its companies were stationed. I took with me gifts. The friends of the regiment, such as testaments books and papers, and also hundreds of copies of army hymns that I had written for the command Similar to those. I wrote for the cavalry. Among the books were about 300 copies of the Dua new Testament. Which is the direct English translation from the Latin Vulgate Bible of the fourth century. And he continues. Obtained by solicitation from a wealthy Roman Catholic gentleman in New York city. For the use of the Catholic members of the regiment. This donation was a happy surprise. And one for me at once the regards of the Catholics. As the chaplain of the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery. Frederick Denison traveled to locations along the coast of South Carolina, to the various companies that manned Fort Pulaski and Georgia. And down to St. Augustine, Florida. Wherever he was, he provided Baptist services and coordinated religious support for Catholic soldiers. Following the failed Naval advance into Charleston Harbor in April of 1863. The department of the South's new commander. Brigadier general Quincy, a Gilmore prepared for an army and Navy operation against Charleston Harbor slated for that summer. As it was the opening scene of the civil war with the firing on Fort Sumter. The Confederate since 1861 strengthened the defenses of the Harbor with construction of several fortifications, which included batteries, Wagner and Greg on Morris island Among many other fortifications. In early July, the 10th Corps landed on folly island. Which was adjacent to more silent and situated at the Southern mouth of Charleston Harbor. Alongside the first us artillery, third us artillery, and the third New York artillery. Five companies from the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery assisted the infantry. As it crossed an inlet, Tamara silent. And assaulted a lighthouse held by the Confederates on 10 July. According to chaplain Dennison, there are more mint included. Company B with six, 10 inch siege mortars. Company C with two, three inch ordinance rifles and two 30 pounder Parrott rifles. Company D with eight 30 pounder Parrott rifles. Company I with four 20 pounder Parrott rifles. And company M with five eight inch siege, mortars and four 10 inch siege mortars. Following the successful crossing, Tamara silent, the 10th Corps established new fortifications in the vicinity of Fort Wagner, but also within artillery range of Fort Sumpter. The Rhode Islanders again, supported the infantry and their assaults upon Ford Wagner on 10 to 11 and 18 July in which all failed to carry the fortifications. Brigadier general Gilmore changed his approach to take Fort Wagner. In order for the infantry and Marines to dig SAP trenches. Chaplain Dennison. And the third Rhode Island heavy artillery shifted their focus to erecting breaching fortifications against Fort Sumpter. Which drew the attention of the Confederate artillery from across Charleston Harbor. Just as a note, Fort Johnson was located on James island and Northwest of Morris island. Fort Moultrie was across the Harbor on Sullivan's island. And Fort Sumpter is at the mouth of the Harbor. Just save as far as possible, the lives of the fatigue parties engaged in constructing the batteries and parallels. Uh, watch was set on the highest points of the works on the front. To observe the puffs of smoke from the enemies guns and give warning, calling the name of the Fort from which the missile was coming thus. Johnson. Cover. Mold tree. Cover. Sumter cover. The men, if possible with throw themselves under their protections, splinter proofs and embankments until the shot had done its work. Colonel Alfred RET commander of the first South Carolina artillery and Fort Sumpter. Noted the progress of the union in placements. Following the failed 18 July assault. as the Rhode Islanders worked on there and placements, the other union artillery regiments continued to engage with Fort Wagner and Sumpter as well as other fortifications. July 20 at 2:00 PM. Uh, shell from enemies batteries struck the Fort and a continuous fire was kept up until dark. At 3:30 PM. Captain Mitchell's battery on shell point opened fire. At 3 57 Fort Sumpter, open fire on iron signs and enemies batteries. July 21. The enemy have erected three batteries. This side of Graham's headquarters. We can see apparently six new embrasures also extending the battery across the island. The enemy have apparently mounted eight new guns on their batteries. Though Colonel Rhett recognize that the union army was constructing more in placements. He could not see all of the firing positions. And the heavier caliber artillery that the 10th Corps brought to Morris island by late July. For context, the batteries where the firing positions and the companies occupied them. This excerpt combines the artillery dispositions provided by Brigadier general. John W. Turner. Chief of artillery for the bombardment of Fort Sumpter. And chaplain Denison. For accurate company placement of the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery. The first parallel. Battery Reynolds company B third, Rhode Island, heavy artillery. With five, 10 inch siege mortars. The Naval battery. Detach sailors from the frigate Wabash with two, 200 pounder Parrott rifles and two 80 pounder. Whitworth's. Battery weed. Company H and D seventh, Connecticut infantry. With five, 10 inch siege mortars. The second parallel. Battery brown. Company I third Rhode Island. With two, 200 pounder paired rifles. Battery rose Kranz company, M. Third Rhode Island with three, 100 pounder Parrott rifles. Battery Mead company M. Third, Rhode Island. With two, 100 pounder paired rifles. Battery Kearney company C and K seventh, Connecticut infantry. With three 30 pounder paired rifles. The left batteries. Battery haze company, D third Rhode Island. With seven 30 pounder paired rifles. Battery Reno. Company H third Rhode Island with one, 200 pounder parrot rifle. And to 100 pounder paired rifles. Battery Stephens company C fifth, us artillery. With to 100 pounder Parrott rifles. Battery strong. Company I seventh Connecticut infantry. With one, 300 pounder parrot rifle. And at battery Kirby, detachment of the 11th main infantry. With two 10 inch sea coast mortars. With these batteries in place 39 pieces of heavy artillery and Varian calibers now trained upon Fort Sumpter. And on 17 August, 1863. Brigadier general Gilmore ordered the bombardment of Fort Sumpter to commence. Brigadier general Turner in his report gives the honor of the first shot to company. I third, Rhode Island, heavy artillery. All firing done that day was by the third Rhode Island. Save from battery Kirby and the Navy. Battery brown opened with one eight inch meaning a 200 pounder parrot rifle. Throwing shell. Meaning explosive. Battery Rosecrans, one gun throwing shell and the other two shot. Meaning a solid projectile. Battery Mead, both pieces, throwing shell. Naval battery. The parents throwing shell and the Whitworth's shot. Battery Hayes one, 200 pounder throwing shot. It's battery Kirby, throwing mortar shell. On 18 August battery Reno joined in the bombardment. And by the 19th. All batteries on Morris island were operational and firing on Fort Sumpter, Wagner battery, Gregg, and other fortifications. If need be. Chaplain Denison in his regimental history disagrees on the date. And what piece fired upon Fort Sumpter first? But given that Brigadier general Turner wrote his report on eight September, 1863. His account is seen as more accurate. Besides being with the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery and the fortifications. Chaplain Denison performed all of the duties expected from an army chaplain while on the island. My duties on Maura silent during the bombardment of Fort Sumpter and the city of Charleston, where numerous and onerous. At times I was the only chaplain on the island. And was there for call to officiate for different regiments in Sabbath services and the burial of their dead. Here too, came some duties in the field hospital. And some cooperation of the devoted agents of the sanitary commission and the Christian commission. Who's ministries to the soldiers on the front inaction and to the suffering in the hospitals were of great value. The bombardment, which began in August, continued into September and Fort Sumpter was reduced to a shadow of its former self. Despite this heavy bombardment, it was still not enough to drive the Confederate Garrison from there and placements. Though tenacious in their defense. Chaplain Denison still felt bitterly toward the Confederates they faced. We're at trees and smote is treason Smit. This is in reference to the us constitution. Article three, section three. Clause one. Which states. Treason against the United States, shotgun cyst only in levying war against them. And he continues. Fort Sumpter was already silenced. It's Barbette guns had been overthrown and its parapet cut away. Its Gorge wall was a vast ruin. And all its embrasures facing more silent. Had been cut out. Still the enemy, held it with a Garrison and waved over it. The Confederate flag. And managed to occasionally fire a small gun. As we opened new cavities in the walls. The rebels filled them with logs and bags of sand. Nothing however would satisfy us, but the complete destruction of the work that had proudly defied us. On 15, September, 1863, Brigadier general Gilmore published a letter to all those who participated in the bombardment of Fort Sumpter and the assaults and final capture of Fort Wagner and battery, Greg. Though congratulatory and tone. It also reminded the men of the 10th Corps that their work on Morris island was far from over. The Fort has been in possession of the enemy for more than two years. Has been as pride and boast has been strengthened by every appliance, known to military science. And has defied the assaults of the most powerful and Gallant fleet the world ever saw. But as yielded to your courage and patient labor. It's walls are now crumbled to ruins. It's formidable batteries are silenced. And though a hostile flag still floats over it. The Fort is a harmless and helpless wreck. And he continues. You now hold an undisputed possession, the whole of Morris island. And the city and Harbor of Charleston lie at the mercy of your artillery from the very spot where the first shot was fired at your country's flag. And the rebellion itself was inaugurated. With more silent, fully secured by the 10th Corps and Fort Sumpter effectively neutralized as a significant threat. The second battle of Charleston Harbor was over. The Confederates, however, still had plenty of fight left in them. And Charleston Harbor remained an active theater of operations until February, 1865. When the city finally fell. Throughout that time elements of the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery were present on Morris island firing upon Confederate fortifications and the city of Charleston daily. In October of 1863, Brigadier general Gilmore ordered metals of honor, issued to soldiers who participated in the operations on Morris island, such as the infantry assaults. But also to see J operations against Fort Sumpter. The metal. Should be awarded to 3% of the aggregated strength of the regiments companies and detachments and the actions in the batteries and trenches. 10 men from the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery received this metal in 1864. But if you search any of their names and the medal of honor database, there is no mention of them. Well, the us army did revoke 911 metals of honor, given during the civil war in 1917. It seems Brigadier general Gilmore awarded a medal of honor of his own volition. The metal Avanir during the civil war featured an inverted star with Minerva repulsing discord with a shield. According to chaplain Dennison, the Rhode Islanders received something completely different. And what is known today as the Gilmore metal. The metals were made of choice prize metal. All of colored. Larger than a half dollar piece. Very finely rot. With ornaments and mottoes and relief, the face reading. For Gallant and meritorious conduct. Presented by major general Q a Gilmore. The odd verse reading. Fort Sumpter, August 23rd, 1863, with a relief view of the demolished Fort. Chaplin Frederick Denison published shot and shell. The third Rhode Island, heavy artillery regiment in the rebellion. 1861 to 1865 in 1879. For the members of the regimental association. From the second meeting in July of 1873. The association commissioned the work, which drew on officers and soldiers accounts across the entire regiment. The association was also active in the development of the book. And by the eighth meeting, they approved the history, which was published that same year. In 1893, Frederick Denison published a narrative entitled a chaplain's experience in the union army. Which focused on his time in the first Rhode Island cavalry and the third Rhode Island, heavy artillery. Thank you for listening to the 37th episode. The link to chaplain Denison's book is now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. This week, you will find pictures of. Battery Reynolds company B. Third, Rhode Island, heavy artillery with their 10 inch siege mortars. Uh, damaged breach from a 200 pounder parrot rifle of battery brown company. I third Rhode Island. And battery Rosecrans company, M third Rhode Island, heavy artillery with their 100 pounder Parrott rifles. Picture credits to loc.gov. If you would like an account of the Marines conducting C J operations on Morris island and the final assault upon Fort Wagner. Please check out episode 11 of the podcast entitled. Second Lieutenant Frederick Tomlinson, Pete and the United States Marine Corps at the siege of Fort Wagner. In two weeks time, major Joseph L Brent commander of the CSS queen of the west and CSS web. Provides next episodes, first person account. At the capture. Of the ironclad USS Indianola. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening to first person civil war podcast.