Fort Pulaski

“The bombardment of Fort Pulaski, second day, Friday, April 11th, 1862. General Quincy A. Gilmore took personal command of Tybee Island on the 20th of February, 1862, and at once began construction of earthworks. On the 9th of April everything was in readiness for the bombardment, and early on the following morning a summons for the surrender of Fort Pulaski was sent, through Lieutenant J. H. Wilson, to its commander, Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, by General David Hunter. The surrender having been refused, order was given to immediately open fire. This was done at about eight o’clock on the morning of the 10th, from the two 13-inch mortars in charge of Captain Sanford. The remaining two batteries joined in, and their united fire thundered all day, and was steadily responded to from the fort. The bombardment of the fort was kept up until the next morning, and at daybreak of the 11th the firing again commenced on both sides. The Federal fire was mainly directed against the southeastern portion of the fort, and by two o’clock in the afternoon the breach had become so wide that the arches of the casemate were laid bare. This was followed by the hoisting of a white flag, when firing ceased. The immediate and unconditional surrender of the fort was agreed on."— Frank Leslie, 1896

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