2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023
A Confederate soldier's 3pp. letter written by James A. Carter of the Vigilant Rifles. Datelined REPUBLIC of SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, Jany 24/61. In part, "My Company, the Vigilant Rifles, has been relieved for the present from Fort Morris after a campaign of three weeks. I had the pleasure of seeing the 'Star of the West' driven from the harbor, and during the time, my Company was under arms with expectation that the vessel might attempt to land her troops on our island, but in this we were disappointed. ... PS. In my next, I shall be better prepared to post you up in the affairs of the young Republic...." The Vigilant Rifles fired the first shots of the Civil War on Fort Sumter. The Vigilant Rifles Co. SC Militia was organized in December 1860, with volunteers from the Vigilant Fire Engine Co. of the Charleston Fire Department. It was accepted for state service on 29 December 1860, and sent to Sullivan's Island to reinforce the Citadel Cadets. It was relieved from duty on 18 January 1861, whereupon it was converted to artillery and attached to the 1st SC Militia Artillery. On 23 February 1861, it was ordered to take charge of the Five Gun Battery on Sullivan's Island, and remained there until relieved on 22 April 1861. It was recalled to active duty on 17 September 1861, and was stationed at Fort Pickens on Battery Island until 1 November 1861.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.