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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC08510 |
| From Archive Folder | Unassociated Civil War Documents 1863 |
| Title | Pierre Giraud to Mr. & Mrs. Edward Giraud about fighting at sea, his poor commander and working the guns |
| Date | 6 February 1863 |
| Author | Giraud, Pierre (fl. 1863) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written by a Union sailor on the USS "Montauk" to his parents in New York City. Tells them that since his last letter he has been in two major engagements at Fort McCallester on the Big Ogeechee River where they tried to capture the CSS "Nashville." Says it was handled badly. Blames his commander, Captain Worden, who is "pleasant" but "excitable." Claims that "If we win a Fight in this ship it will be more by good luck than good management." Reports that he worked the guns on both occasions and "made some splendid shots" at the fort from 1,780 yards away. Says his captain said he is one of the best shots he ever saw. Does not think they will attack again and that he will be going back to Port Royal soon to prepare for the attack on Charleston, which he predicts to take place on 23 February. Mentions that the "Montauk" is "badly cut up." Document has a two inch slit cut into it toward the bottom. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Soldier's Letter Soldier's Letter Union Forces Navy Weaponry Fortification Battle Battle of Charleston Harbor |
| Place written | Aboard USS "Montauk" at Ossabaw Sound, Georgia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Mother Father |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Lower Seaboard Theater and Gulf Approach |
| Civil War: Unit | USS Montauk |