The 16th South Carolina in the Battle of Resaca

 After their transfer to Western Theater, Col. McCullough and the 16th South Carolina Vol. virtually disappear from the official records of the Civil War, accept in occasional force organization charts. However, they crop back up in this report, which talks about their activities during the Battle of Resaca, part of the Atlanta campaign.

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HDQRS. Twenty-fourth South Carolina Vols.

Jonesborough, Ga., September 10, 1864.

Major: In compliance with the late order from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to report the operations of the Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volnteers during the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta, embraced between the 6^th of My and the 18^th of July last.

 By the organization of the Army of Tennessee, in winter quarters at Dalton, the Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteers was attached to Gist’s brigade, Walker’s division, Hardee’s corps. The brigade was composed of three regiments and a battalion, viz, the Sixteenth and Twenty-fourth South Carolina Regiments, the Forty-sixth Georgia, and the Eighth Georgia Battalion…

…On the 14^th [of May] the enemy was reported crossing in force at McGinnis’ Ferry, which is about a mile below Gideon’s Ford. The Sixteenth South Carolina Volunteers was in front of McGinnis’ Ferry, on the road leading from the ferry to Calhoun, the distance from the ferry to the town being a short mile. The general ordered the Twenty-fourth to march rapidly to the support of the Sixteenth, which order was promptly obeyed. Arriving near the ferry, after a rapid march of about three miles, we found the Sixteenth retiring slowly before the force of the enemy, which had crossed. Colonel McCullough, commanding the Sixteenth, reported to me a strong force in his front, with artillery. After conferring further with him I deemed it best to move at once against this force, which was then advancing into a wood in our front. Deploying, and moving up to the Sixteenth, which had meanwhile halted, and was firing into the woods, I ordered a charge in concert with the Sixteenth. We easily drove the enemy back to the river, under cover of his artillery, which was posted on the hill to the west side, and under its fire the enemy recrossed in our sight. Not a man was hit in the Twenty-fourth, though there were some casualties in the Sixteenth. I have no idea of the enemy’s loss, though I am satisfied our fire galled him at the river…

[Soon after, the whole of Gist Brigade is ordered to the main line, but appears to have remained in reserve for most of the rest of the battle. The report goes on for quite a bit, but the only other mention of the 16th is when the Major of the Regiment is killed leading the brigade skirmish force during the fighting around Dallas. It is likely that the 16th is part of some of the movements and fighting mentioned, but there is no way to be sure. However, I have included the next two parts for general interest.]

...In the fight of the 24^th we captured a sharpshooter who had a small looking-glass attached to the butt of his musket, so that he could sit behind his breast-work, perfectly protected, with his back to us, and by looking into his glass, sight along the barrel of his piece…

…Next day, the 18^th, while we were forming to march from our bivouacs to the right a rumor prevailed that General Johnston had been removed from command, and after we had marched some distance on the road to Atlanta a courier handed me a circular order from General Hood announcing General Johnston’s remove and assuming command. Shortly after the farewell address of General Johnston was received and read to the regiment. It is due to truth to say that the reception of these orders produced the most despondent feelings in my command. The loss of the commanding general was felt to be irreparable. Continuing the march and passing by his headquarters Walker’s division passed at the shoulder, the officers saluting, and most of the latter and hundreds of the men taking off their hats. It has been proposed to halt and cheer, but General Johnston hearing our intention requested that the troops march by in silence...

 

Col. McCullough and the 16th S.C. ordered West

A brief note int the official records, states that Col. James McCullough and his regiment were transferred to the western theater in mid-1863.
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Charleston, May 15, 1863

…Note. – Since this return came in, Evan’s brigade, 16^th South Carolina Volunteers, 47^th Georgia, and Walker’s brigade ordered West.

Col. McCullough and the 16th to Wilmington, N.C.

Following on from my last past, after the incident with the gunships, Col. James McCullough and the 16^th S.C. continued to cool their heels in Adams Run until December, when this record announces their imminent movement.

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Charleston, S.C., December 13, 1862

Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood,

Commanding, Adams Run, S.C.:

The seven companies of McCullough’s 16th South Carolina Volunteers at Adams Run and the seven of Nelson’s battalion at the same place hold in readiness for transportation, with four days’ cooked provisions, with 40 rounds of ammunition in cartridge box and 60 in reserve, in light marching order, with cooking utensils, and two tents per company and two ford field and staff of each battalion. Repeat message.

            G. T. Beauregard

                        General, Commanding.

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A later record reveals that the regiments left Charleston by train on December 15, 1862 and arrived in Wilmington, N.C. on December 17, 1862. 

Engagement at Simmon's Bluff

My great-great-great grandfather, Col. James McCullough commanded the 16^th S.C. Volunteer regiment during the Civil War. While he wouldn’t see major action until 1864 and the battles around Atlanta, he was involved in at least one minor incident, known as the Engagement at (or Battle of) Simmon’s Bluff. Here is the official Confederate record of the incident.

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June 21 1862. – Engagement at Simmon’s Bluff, S.C.

Report of Capt. L. Parker, C. S. Army, Marion (S.C.) Artillery.

HDQRS. Second Military Dist. South Carolina,

Adams Run, June 23, 1862.

Maj. J. R. Waddy,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Charleston, S.C.:

Major: Herewith I have the honor to inclose the official report of Captain Parker, Marion Artillery, of the affair with the gunboats at Simmons’ Bluff on the 21^st instant. Owing to the absence of the regiment of Colonel McCullough the rifle pits were not complete when the attack commenced. I am having them arranged and have strengthened the position with two additional companies. I would here state that I will forward the report of the engagement on James Island on the 16^th instant as soon as I can collect the reports of the immediate commanders.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                N. G. Evans,

                                                            Brigadier-General.

Simmon’s Bluff, S.C., June 21, 1862

Captain: I have the honor to report that at about 11 a.m. this day the alarm was given of two gunboats approaching. I was at Colonel Whaling’s place, on a visit to pickets there stationed, and caused the alarm to be given also from that point. My guns were in the road and wagons parked before I could get to camp, nothing having been lost. The boats approached rapidly – one large three-masted propeller and a side-wheel, probably the Planter.

            I ordered the companies of Captains McJunkin and Barnett into the incomplete pits in the process of construction for rifleman, directing them if driven form the pits to fall back and skirmish (if they landed) along the road and in the corn back of Simmons’ negro settlement. The battery I ordered to the bluff, where I am erecting batteries for my guns about 800 yards above the point. The road through the corn was so miry from the recent rains that my guns could not use them, and I had to take a circuit and approach it from the north. When we cleared the road we found the large vessels just below the point, the Planter on the south side of said point. To reach the bluff I would have had my battery exposed to fire from both ships for 400 or 500 yards, and then would only be able to reach the large vessel at the range before named, say 800 yards. I deemed it wiser, as I could inflict no injury, to run no risk.

One of these ships is the Planter.

            The fire of shot, shell, case shot, and canister was very heavy from both ships. I kept my men and guns under cover, anticipating a landing. The riflemen kept up a continuous and steady fire until their position was enfiladed, when they retreated to the road, straggling far ahead of their officers up it. I halted them and deployed them to the left of the road, directing a gradual advance, under cover of woods, hedges, and corn, to the negro settlement. The men were very much fatigued and I could not get the movement properly executed. A few men were landed from the Planter, I think, who got as far as the infantry tents and burned them. My pieces I had withdrawn to the causeway, as both boats, shelling vigorously, moved up as though to land above our position.

            One of the scouts reported to Major O’Neill that the enemy had landed and were marching up. My guns were then thrown forward, and I detailed scouts from my own men, who proceeded to a point between the two camps, under charge of Lieutenant Lowndes. Two of my pieces were to take positon near the bluff on left of road, two in our drill ground on the right; Colonel McCullough who had arrived, to advance under cover of the hedges to the point where my scouts were with four companies; Major O’Neill, with the other companies, to advance through the corn – and thus I hoped, had they landed, to attack them in front and flank. They, however, had not landed any force, and I can only conjecture that they landed at all. Had the original intention been carried out, and the riflemen on leaving the pits occupied the road and the corn, I think we might have been able to bring our guns into play; as it was, I thought my best plan was to keep prepared for what I expected – a landing. Before we could reach the boats, however, immediately after burning the tents they turned and went rapidly off. The buildings at the point were much injured by shell, grape, cansister, &c., and some very narrow escapes were run.

            The conduct of the men while in the pits was very good, and they all say that cries were heard after several shots. The men kept very close on deck. Had rifle pits been dug all along the banks I believe that the enemy would have suffered very much; as it was, it was very difficult to rally the men after leaving the pits. Very little time was given for a proper disposition of the troops. I do not think that over twenty minutes elapsed between the alarm and the first shot. Some system of signals is necessary by which we may be notified of the entrance of a vessel into the river while out of our sight. The lookout on the mast of the steamer enables her to direct her fire at objects not seen from her hull. Captains McJunkin’s and Barnett’s companies have both some baggage.

            I have no casualties to report. One shot passed through my commissary room, but our stores were out of it. Lieut. [James] Salvo, of the Washington Artillery, came over, offering Capt. [George H.] Walter’s battery, and was of much service to me. I declined sending for the battery, as under the circumstances I did not think it could be advantageously used.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            Edward L. Parker

                                                            Captain Marion Artillery, Commanding Post.

Capt. A. L. Evans, C. S. Army

            Assistant Adjutant-General, &c., Adams Run.

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An official Union account also exists, which agrees with most of the particulars – though it notes that no casualties were taken, and that resistance was light. It is through that account that the ‘three-masted propeller’ is identified as the U.S.S. Crusader.

The Union had been hoping to cut the rail line into Charleston, but abandoned the attempt after burning the confederate encampment for reason

The Death of J. S. Walker

One of my greatest discoveries during my research into my ancestor, John Stewart Walker, was a first-hand account of his death, written by J. Staunton Moore, one of the men of his command. Although this account was written forty-five years later, and likely coloured by those intervening years, the few particulars do match up with all of the other facts I’ve learned.

The account is part of a larger piece about the battle of Malvern Hill, which was published in the Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume XXXV. (Reprinted by Broadfoot Publishing Company, Morningside Bookshop, 1991). At the point where this excerpt picks up, the 15^th Virginia, along with the rest of its Brigade, has been called out of reserve and sent forward to take a Union position on top of a hill.  

‘…About one hundred and fifty of our regiment reached the base of the hill, in command of Major John Stewart Walker, formerly captain of the Virginia Life Guard, of Richmond (Company B), who assumed command as soon as Colonel August was placed hors de combat. Here we rested, under severe and continuous fire that did not admit of our raising our heads from the ground. As twilight was deepening into the shades of night, the word was passed down the line to prepare to charge the crest of the hill. Major Walker stood up with drawn sword and flashing eye and gave the command, “Forward, charge!” It was the last word this gallant officer ever uttered. He fell, and was dragged into a little branch which flowed at the foot of the hill and expired in the arms of his brother, Captain Norman Walker. Thus perished as brave a soldier as ever flashed his sword in any cause!’

A Description of J. S. Walker

The following description of John Stewart Walker was written by Josiah Staunton Moore, one of the men under his command, on May 22, 1861. I obtained a typed record of this short diary from the Virginia Historical Society.

“…Capt Jno. Stewart Walker, (These are my first impressions) is a perfect gentleman, a considerate Christian, I think he is a man of high temper (who ever saw a red-headed man who was not?) but its violence when arose is soon over, he is a man who requires, and expects everyone to do his duty, on duty he is the officer. When [off] duty he is the gentleman, kind and sociable. I believe him to be a man of undaunted bravery, he is well versed in military tactics, having in his young days attended a military school. He is now, judging from his appearance, about 36 years old, of a noble & commanding form.”

J. S. Walker Letter (22 June 1862)

Camp 15^th Regt.,

6 mi. below Ricmond,

22d June, 1862.

My very dear Wife:

            A few days more and it will be three months since McClellan began his triumphal march to Richmond. During that time I have been beset behind and before, subjected to great trials and inconveniences, not to say suffering. I have had great responsibility upon me, with no one to hold my hands. My time day and night has for the most part been absorbed in my duty to my country, and as I have to do with all my might whatever my hands find to do, I fear, yea I know, I have omitted the weightier matters of the law. I have not kept the Lord as my strength and counsellor before my eyes and in my heart. In fact, I have laid all on the altar of my country, even sacrificing the natural affection to my family, not taking time to write you. I have trusted too much in my own efforts and have had too much confidence placed in me by those in authority. While my whole soul has been thrown into my country’s cause as one of her defenders, my spiritual soul has grown less and as a soldier of the cross I have been unprofitable, and yet how good the Lord has been unto me thru it all. Not only has He given me health of body and mind and a will for any work, but above all He has in mercy shown me by His Spirit’s influence how I am neglecting to grow in grace, to have at all times the witness of His approval, to find Him a present help in every hour of trouble, and a refuge in every necessity, so that however surrounded, I may find Him a comforter. I have drawn myself away today, this His Sabbath, from the routine of camp duty to examine my own heart, to confess before Him my wandering from Him and to drink from the ever flowing fountain of Gospel grace, hope, comfort and consolation, for in myself there is nothing good but all unclean, but a free grace and full pardon is promised to all who truly repent. I find that it will be necessary for me to have system and regularity in my devotions at the expense of everything else, or Satan will come in and possess my soul. I fear that with natural impulsiveness and energy, with too much the spirit of Martha I have allowed myself to be unnecessarily taxed, yea, and unprofitably it may be, for my country, to the prejudice and injury of my eternal good. I see it, I think. I am sorry for it. I thank God I see it, and by His help I will improve my past experience, and depending less upon myself and more upon my Father, will seek for the future to lead a more holy life. Thus fortified, I will be superior to all temptations and find my heart continually refreshed by the Heavenly dew of peace and joy.

            Events seem to be tending to a culmination point. It is indeed the hour of our extremity, and tho I have so often proven in the past that I am no prophet, yet I am impressed that the present week is pregnant with great stirring events, which may prove the closing scenes of the war. I think not only the people but the armies of both the North and the South would welcome the hour of peace, and a decisive battle before Richmond may prove the dawn of that hour.

            The great, tho good, Jackson – the man of faith and prayer – whom the Lord delighted to honour, will in a few days be down to our help with his army. He will not only remain inactive, but will strike for his country, and that with success. The idols of the world, such as Floyd, Johnson and Beaureguard, have been by God’s providence withdrawn from the active field, while Gen. Jackson and Bethel Hill are our leaders. Floyd disgraced, Johnson wounded and Beaureguard’s health requiring that he be relieved of his command. There are other bright examples of Christians in our high officers, while there are many more who neither love nor fear the Lord. May they be brought by the example of the illustrious two above to see that the Lord is God and that with Him are not only the issues of life and death, but victory purchases on the banner that he smiles upon.

            I think it well that you did not come down at my instance, if my speculations prove correct. I hope Richmond will in a few days be relieved of the host that now besiege it and our large army, which now taxes the whole supply of food to be had here, be removed to another scene of action. Then Richmond may return to her accustomed quiet. In the meantime, everything is scarce and high, and I am sure that with muddy, hot water, no fruit or vegetables, the children would suffer very much with summer complaints. It is fortunate and providential, I think, that you went to Lynchburg when you did.

            Our house is being well employed in furnishing an asylum to the good who are refugees from their homes.

            I understand our sick and wounded are not only be well attended to but are rapidly recovering. There are still a great many stragglers and old soldiers about Richmond, much to the depletion and demoralization of our army. GenL. Lee is, however, at work upon them and will, I hope, soon have them with their regiments.

            I am getting to be quite anxious to see you all, and hope that a favourable opportunity may soon be given me, and yet we will be better able to appreciate the blessings of peace and liberty if they cost us present trials and afflictions.

            Kiss the dear children and let them unite their innocent little hearts with their mother’s in prayer for us and our cause, and leaving all in the hands of a good and merciful Heavenly Father, let come what may, be able to say “He doeth all things well”.

            Remember me kindly to your Mother and all friends and relatives. I hope you are all husbanding your supplies and living economically so as to make them go as far as possible, for it may be there will be an exhaustion of everything before an opportunity comes to replenish.

            Lucy Norvell no doubt keeps you posted as to everything going on in Richmond, both at home and among our friends. I am

                        Your very affectionate husband,

                       

                                                Jno. S. Walker

[This is the last letter I have written by John Stewart Walker. Eight days after writing this, he was killed during the Battle of Malvern Hill.]