The Government Arsenal in Charleston, S. C., Guarded by Detachments of the Washington
Light Infantry – From a Sketch by our Special Artist
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, December 1, 1860
The Government Arsenal In Charleston, S. C.
This extensive, handsome and important building, which we illustrate this week, is at the present moment an object of peculiar interest. In the present state of popular excitement in Charleston, this great depot of arms and ammunition is watched with great care and peculiar jealousy. It was reported on the 10th, that an attempt had been made to remove the arms, &c., to Fort Moultrie, but had been resisted by the people. A later report states that it had been seized by the people, but the report was entirely unfounded. At the present moment it is guarded by detachments of the Washington Light Infantry. It is believed that an immense amount of ammunition is stored there. Military discipline is strictly observed; the Light Infantry patrols are not admitted into the arsenal, but are encamped in the enclosure.