March 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT GEORGIA,
Savannah, March 9th, 1863. (General Orders No. 21.)
In calling the attention of the troops in this District to the successful repulse, on the 3d inst., of three turreted iron-clad gunboats and three mortar boats by Fort McAllister, the Brigadier General commanding again returns his hearty thanks to the brave garrison, and expresses the confident hope that their heroic example will be followed by all under his command. For eight hours these formidable vessels, throwing fifteen inch hollow shot and shell, thirteen inch shell, eleven inch solid shot, and eight inch rifle projectiles – a combination of formidable missiles never before concentrated upon a single battery – hurled an iron hail upon the Fort. But the brave gunners, with the cool, efficient spirit of disciplined soldiers, and with the intrepid hearts of freemen battling in a just cause, stood undaunted at their posts, and proved to the world that the most formidable vessels and guns that modern ingenuity has been able to produce are powerless against an earth work manned by patriots to whom honor and liberty are dearer than life. Believing that the repulse of these vessels, with but slight injury to the battery or garrison, marks a new era in the history of the war, the fact is published with proud satisfaction for the information and encouragement of all.
Capt. Robert Martin, of MartinLight Battery, who commanded the mortar during the engagement, and dropped one of his shell directly upon the deck of the Montauk, deserves with his detachment, to share all the praise awarded to the immediate garrison.
The vigilance and activity of Capt. J. L. McAllister, and his free exposure to all danger, merit particular mention. His brave marksmen, who lay in the open marsh, within rifle range of the gunboats, are commended to the notice of the troops in this District.
The Brigadier General commanding desires also to commend especially the gallant conduct of the 1st Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, officers and men. This corps, honorably distinguished for its discipline and drill, manned one of the guns of the battery throughout the night and during the ensuing night, under a severe and constant fire from the mortar boats, fearlessly repaired all the damage done to the fort, and rendered it by morning better prepared than ever to resist the foe.
The Surgeons who volunteered their services and were present during the fight, the Chief Engineer, Capt. John McCrady, and his assistant, James W. McAlpin, to whose zeal and efficient labors the repeated repulses of the Abolition vessels are largely due, deserve honorable mention.
As a testimonial to the brave garrison, the Commanding General will be solicited to direct that ‘Fort McAllister, March 3, 1863’, be inscribed upon their flags.
By command of Brig. Gen. Mercer.
GEO. A. MERCER, A. A. G.