Civilian Workmen at Fort Sumter

[Pvt_Sullivan]

From Surgeon Crawford's account - http://books.google.com/books?id=ZOsSAAAAYAAJ

Christmas of 1860, with its attendant festivities, had come. Taking advantage of the day, as likely to divert from him temporarily the close scrutiny under which he had labored for so long, Major Anderson pushed forward the preparations for the movement he had determined upon, under the disguise of preparation for action; his intention being to accomplish his movement on Christmas Day, which was only prevented by rain. Orders were given for the immediate packing up of all articles considered essential in the transfer to Fort Johnson, and to all outward appearances the garrison of Fort Moultrie seemed to be on the very eve of action.

A feeling prevailed that this movement was only preliminary to a conflict, and the co-operation of the men was actively manifested. Work upon the defenses went on with its accustomed vigor, and that upon Fort Moultrie was fast approaching completion. In Fort Sumter 150 men were actively at work under the engineer officer in charge, and at Castle Pinckney the necessary repairs were being rapidly pushed forward.

Upon reaching Fort Sumter the command disembarked amid the surprise and protests of the workmen, who gathered about the boat and demanded the reason for the presence of the soldiers. Many of them wore the secession cockade. Captain Doubleday landed his men, formed them, and advanced into the work. One of the workmen approached the sentinel, cheering for the Union. He was at once checked, ordered into the fort, and all noise forbidden. Half of the command that had arrived were put at once on guard. Sentinels were placed over the main gate outside and in, and upon the ramparts, as it was apprehended that a disturbance might arise among the workmen. The boats returned at once for the remainder of the troops.

At the time of the transfer of the Federal Garrison to Fort Sumter, there were 150 Civilian workmen performing construction on the fortifications. These workers were from Baltimore, Md and individuals held both Northern and Southern sympathies.

We have a limited number of spaces available for Civilian Workmen in this event, it is our intention to send out individual invitations for these roles. I have a few I've already contacted about this and a few more I intend to over the next month.

If you are interested in participating as a Civilian, please feel free to contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com and we will make the best effort to accomodate your participation within the constraints we have.