Calm before the next storm: Between fall of Wagner and 2nd major bombardment
Federal signal spies captured on the Combahee – September 14, 1863
The Black Island Battery built to fire on Charleston (though it would scarcely do so)
12.75 inch Blakely Rifles for Charleston’s defense
Rebuilding Battery Gregg into Fort Putnam
One of the many burst Parrott Rifles on Morris Island
First Minor Bombardment – September 28 to October 4, 1863
Complains by Confederate War Department of ammunition wastage at Charleston
Observations by Confederate ordnance officers at Charleston
Confederates improve James Island defenses (through October) and defenses along the Edisto River/St. Andrew’s Parish.
Gillmore plans operations against Charleston in late October. And Dahlgren’s response. Dahlgren is concerned with the obstacles baring entry to the harbor and feels the Navy’s efforts are unappreciated. Eventually, Dahlgren returns focus in preparation to run the harbor defenses. This sets up the Second Major Bombardment of Fort Sumter.
