Feb 21, 2008 - Sale 2137

Sale 2137 - Lot 259

Price Realized: $ 4,800
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,500 - $ 3,500
THE ATTACK ON BATTERY [FORT] WAGNER (MILITARY.) Autograph Letter Signed from Major William Echols to Governor Bonham regarding the presence of Mr. Maxwell's Negroes having appeared in the city (Charleston). Together with an explanatory letter from Mr. Maxwell concerning the aforementioned Negroes. Two single 4to leaves, both written on both sides and docketed on the reverse. Charleston, July 21st, July 23rd, 1863

Additional Details

"The matter of Mr. Maxwell's Negroes having appeared in the City was through neglect but is excusable when the facts are made known. They were, at the time of the assault on Battery Wagner, on Morris Island (last Saturday) when the steamer landed the troops." The troops of course were there to repel those of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, under Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. "The Negroes," he goes on "were rushed on board for safety and were taken to Fort Johnson where they were put to work. Mr. Maxwell's slaves were by some means allowed to leave Fort Johnson without passes and come to the city . . ." Mr. Maxwell explains the presence of his Negroes saying they had been sent to Morris Island to work on the fortifications when the attack came. They were removed and in the confusion wound up in Charleston, where they asked what was wished of them.