War of the Rebellion: Serial 065 Introduction

Intro
Olustee Intro

Vol. 35 Introduction - Serial 65

These two volumes tell the tale of the Atlantic backwater: the South Carolina and Georgia coasts, and all of Florida in 1864. The Union wanted in the worst possible way to capture Charleston, South Carolina. It was the flashpoint of the war, and had tremendous political significance. However, geography favored the defenders, and the Confederates had added strong defenses. Despite operations lasting most of 1864 to take Charleston, it was not until Sherman's army arrived in the rear of the city that it was evacuated. Florida was a backwater. Sparsely populated, it had little to offer either side except cheap propaganda victories. The Union probed inland, successful until the last battle, Olustee, which undid the whole campaign and sent them skittering back to their bases. For the rest of the year there were probes from US bases on the Atlantic coast, but nothing serious.

This volume has the reports of the Charleston siege, and the Florida expedition. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry are present, as is Pierre Beauregard among other flamboyant characters.
The volume also has some of the supporting documents.

Intro
Olustee Intro