This is a group of five bullets recovered on private property near Morris Island, South Carolina, near the site of the Battles for Fort Wagner that took place on 11 and 18 July, 1863. This is considered to be a part of operations against the defenses of Charleston, South Carolina. The first attack, taking place on 11 July, was repulsed with heavy losses to the Union attackers. The fort was well defended, with artillery pieces manned by Company A of the 1st South Carolina Artillery, the Gist Guard Heavy Artillery company and the Mathewes Heavy Artillery Company, both of South Carolina. Confederate Infantry units in the garrison were two companies of the 1st South Carolina Infantry, the 21st South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 31st and 51st North Carolina Infantry Regiments, the 22nd Georgia Infantry Regiment and three companies of the 63rd Georgia Infantry. This Confederate force of approximately 1800 soldiers, under the command of Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro, would endure multiple attacks by 17 different Union Infantry regiments of two different divisions commanded by Brigadier Generals Alfred Terry and Truman Seymour. Brigadier General Seymour commanded the attacks on Fort Wagner. It was during the second attack that the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment gained fame as one of the first all colored regiments to fight. With approximately 5000 soldiers and 6 Union ironclads in support, the 54th Massachusetts led the attack at 7:45 am. By 10:00 pm the battle was over, and Fort Wagner remained in Confederate control. Union casualties were high, with 246 killed, 880 wounded and 389 missing or captured. Confederate casualties were 36 killed, 133 wounded and 5 missing or captured. The 54th Massachusetts suffered high casualties, to include their commander, Colonel Robert Shaw. This battle is considered a Confederate victory, as the Confederate forces retained control of Fort Wagner. These five bullets were all recovered on private property.

Item # AA2580

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