Journal of the siege of Charleston, 1780.
Text
Journal of the Siege of Charleston by the Corps of British Engineers under the
command of Capt. Moncrief, commencing Feb. 29th and ending May 12th, 1780,
when the town capitulated. 21pp. Foolscap, sewed
Found among papers of Lieutenant John Wilson of the 71st British Infantry Acting
Euquineer
[unreadable pencil writing]
[Blank]
Journal of the Siege of Charleston
Tuesday, Feby 29, 1780.
At 7 o'Clock in the Evening the Brigade of Engineers, under the Command of Captain
Moncrief,2 assembled on James Island consisting of Lieut: Sutherland. Lieut: Haldane.
and Lieut: Fyers. Lieut: Durnford having been ordered to return from Edisto Inlet, to
Savannah, to join that Part of the Army under M. General Patterson.
Wednesday, March 1st, 1780.
Encamped near Head Quarters at Pereneau's [Peronneau's] House.* Lt: Sutherland was
ordered to Fort Johnstone [Johnson]. Boats arrived from the Fleet in Edisto Inlet
loaded with Boards, &c. which were immediately landed.
Thursday, March 2.
Prepared & inclosed a Park to receive Stores, Intrenching Tools, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, March 3, 1780
By Order of Captain Elphinstone of the Navy, Stores, Intrenching Tools &c. belonging
to the Engineer Department having been shifted from the Cargo Ships in Edisto Inlet,
to smaller depress for the more speedy Conveyance, arrived in Stono Inlet in the
Evening. ing been shifted from the larger Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller vessels Part of
which were immediately disembarked.
160 Spades & Shovels were sent to Fort Johnstone. A Working Party of 300 men was
requested to parade at 8 the next Morns.
Saturday, March 4. 1780
At day Break Captain Moncrief ordered three Redoubts to be traced, agreeable to the
Plan, which were intended to strengthen the Post, to be left on James Island, to cover
the Fleet in Stono Inlet, &c. The Depot of the Stores of the Army.
The Working Party was employed in making Fascines & erecting these Redoubts.
Sunday, March 5.
A Working Party employed as on the preceeding day at the Redoubts.
Lieut: Durnford arrived & joined the Brigade, he being counterordered, from going to
Savannah.
[Blank]
Sunday March 5 contin’d
Lieut: Durnford was ordered by the Command in Chief to relieve Lieut: Fyers from the
Redoubts, whom he ordered upon other Service.
The Light Infantry marched at about 9 in the Evening. Lieut: Haldane was ordered to
examine the Road & bridge across the Wappoo Creek whether it was passable for
Cannon. In consequence of his Report the Pioneers were ordered to repair the Road &
Bridge.
Monday, March 6th.
The Working Parties employed at the Redoubts in laying Abattis.
The Redoubts were finished. Light Infantry returns.
Tuesday, 7 March.
A Working Party of 100 Men employed in lay- ing Abattis. The Carpenters in landing &
preparing Materials for an 8 Gun Battery proposed to be erected on Fenwick's Point to
command the Mouth of Wappoo Creek.
Wednesday, 8th March.
Employed as on the preceding Day.
[Blank]
Thursday, 9th March. The Materials being prepared for the Battery they were rafted
thro' Wappoo Cut, to the Left Redoubt also three hun- dred Intrenching Tools. Lieut.
Sutherland returned from Fort Johnstone.
Friday, 10 March.
The Army having passed Wappoo Cut & en- camped on the North Side of Wappoo.
The Materials & Intrenching Tools were passed over the Creek & landed at
Lt. Durnford ordered to Tybee.
The Engineers encamped near the Landing.
Saturday, 11 March.
At Sun Set Captain Moncrief traced a Battery on Fenwick's point, which Lieut.
Sutherland with a Working Party im- mediately began to erect.
Sunday, 12 March.
At day Break the Working Party was dismissed, five Embrazures being opened towards
the Mouth of Wappoo, four of which were compleated & Platforms layed.
One 32 Pounder & a Howitzer being mounted on the Platforms.
Two of the Enemy's Gallies moved receiving upon the River out of the direction, of the
fire of the Battery & fired
[Blank]
Sunday, 12 March cont’d
Upon the Battery without doing any damage also an Armed Brig of the Enemy brought
too within our Line of Fire, but was soon obliged to retire, on a few Shot from the 32
Pound & was very soon followed by the Two Galleys.
On the Retreat of these vessels a Working Party was employed in compleating the
Battery for six guns, & in thickening the Merlons.
Monday, 13th March.
A Working Party employed at 7 in the Morn to close the rear of the Battery.
The Artillery mounted being 1 Howitzer, three 32 Pounders & two 24 Pounders.
Reported to the Commander in Chief that the Enemy appeared to be compleating the
Curtains on the South Side of Charlestown & that there were no vessels above the East
Point of the Town. Lieut. Fyers returned.
Tuesday, 14th March.
A Circular Redoubt began to be erected on the Left of the Battery under the direction
of Lieut Fyers.
Wednesday, 15th.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 15th March.
Finished the Circular Work.
Thursday, 16th.
Began to erect the Battery for one Howitzer & two 32 Pounders.
The Howitzer & two 24 Pounders being withdrawn from the lower Battery, the vacant
Embrazures were occupied by 3 more 32 Pounders which made the lower Battery
consist of six 32 Pounders.
Layed an Abatis around the Circular Redoubt. Lieut. Durnford ordered to Savannah.
Friday, 17th.
Finished the Battery, for the Howitzer & two 32 Pounders. Closed in the Rear, the
Abatis nearly layed & the Guns & Howitzer on the Platforms.
Saturday, 18th.
The Badness of the Weather prevented any Work being done.
[Blank]
Sunday, 19.
Finished the Abatis. Removed the Intrenching Tools &c from Head Qtr to Landing.
Barricaded & Abatis the House at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Wappoo.
Monday, 20th.
The Engineers moved their Camp to [blank space] with their Intrenching Tools & other
Stores, to be in readiness for the next movement of the Army.
Tuesday, 21st.
Employed in moving the Stores from the Landings on Wappoo to Linnen's Landing.
Wednesday, 22.
Erected a Redoubt at Linnen's Landing which was intended with [blank space]
House to cover the Landing Place.
Erected another Redoubt at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Linnen’s Creek
from small Parties of the Enemy that might annoy the Boats from that Point.
Moving Stores from the Landings on land on Wappoo to Linnen’s Landing.
[Blank]
Thursday, 23rd.
Layed an Abatis in the Interval of the House & Redoubt at Linnen's Landing. Also an
Abatis round the Redoubt at Owen's Point.
Continued to collect Boards & other necessary Stores.
Friday, 24th.
Moved the Stores nearer the Creek for the conveniency of immediate Embarkation.
Saturday, 25.
Nothing Extraordinary.
Sunday, 26.
Nothing Extraordinary. The Detachment of the Army under the Command of M. Gen1
Paterson arrived at Rantole's [Rantowle's] Bridge.
Monday, 27th.
Nothing Extraordinary.
The Flat Boats moved from Wappoo Creek to Linnen's Creek during the Night.
[Blank]
Tuesday, March 28.
About 12 o'clock the Army advanced to Drayton's House & halted during the Night
when the Flat Boats moved from Linnen's Creek to Drayton's Landing.
Wednesday, 29th.
About 8 PM the Army crossed Ashley River & landed at Fowler's Plantation about 14
miles from Charles-Town. They advanced to Ashley Ferry where they Halted during the
night.
Thursday, 30th.
The Army advanced to Gibbs' Plantation abt ½ mile from the Town.
The Yeagers skirmished with the Advanced Parties of the Enemy.
The Flat Boats returned to Linnen's Creek.
We proceeded immediately to pass our Stores & Tools from Linnen's Landing to Gibbs'
Landing.
[Blank]
Friday, 31st.
Landed our Intrenching Tools & our other Stores at Gibbs's Landing.
Made the Roads over the Swamps with Hurdles. The Pickets of the Line were pushed
forwd to a Bank within 1000 yds from the Enemy's Works-but were withdrawn again
during the Night.
Saturday, April 1st.
About 3 P. M. the Light Infantry advanced towards the Town, & about 8 o'Clock we
broke ground at about 800 yards from the Enemy's advanced Works & during the
Night erected the three Redoubts No 3, 4, 5, & converted the Bank into a Line of
Communication.
Sunday, April 2nd.
Prepared Frames & other Materials for a ten Gun Battery. During the Night the
Parapets of the three Redoubts were thickened & another Redoubt No. 1 was began
upon the Right.
[Blank]
Monday, April 3.
Having prepared the necessary Materials for a ten Gun Battery, at about 8 o'Clock P.M.
began to erect this Battery No. 6 within 350 yds of the Enemy which by Day-break was
compleated with nine Embrazures marked.
Tuesday, April 4.
Finished two Platforms in the Battery.
The Enemy kept a very heavy fire of Cannon during the Day, & a Ship of War moved up
Cooper river to the Mouth of Town Creek with an Intention to out- flank the Battery but
was obliged to retire, after firing a few Broadsides, her a Howitzer & a twenty four
Pounder being brought to bear upon from Distillery.
We sustained no Loss from the Enemy's Fire on the Battery-One man having been
killed & another Wounded, of the Detachment, before they got to the Battery
occasioned by their moving after day Break.
Tuesday, April 4th contd.
During the Night the Rear of the Ten Gun Battery was closed & the Parapets of No. 1
Redoubt were thickened.
Wednesday, April 5.
The Carpenters employed in preparing Materils &c.
During the Night erected three Sides of the Redoubt No. 2-Thick- ened the Merlons of
the Nine Gun Battery.-& widened the Approach to No. 1.
Thursday, April 6.
Opened the Communications in the Intervals of the Redoubts.
Prepared Materials for the Magazines at the Batteries.
Friday, April 7.
Compleated the Communication between No. 5 & No 6 & Widened the other
Communications.
Saturday, April 8.
During the Night began to erect a 12 Gun Battery on the right of No. 2 with the
Embraze masked.
Sunday, April 9.
Prepared Frames for an 8 Gun Battery in front of No. 5 Redoubt which was began
during the Night.
Opened nine Embrazures in the 12 Gun Battery mounted 6 24 Pounders & thickened
the Merlons.
Monday, 10 April.
Compleated the Battery for 6 Guns & added two more Embrazre being intended for 8
Guns. Excavated at the 12 Gun Battery a Communicat" for a Magazine.
Tuesday, 11 April.
During the Night we thickened the two Mortons [Merlons?] on the left of the Battery &
Pushed on an Approach from the Left Flank of the Battery towards the Right of the
Enemy's Works for 120 yds. Opened two Embrazures in No. 6 towards Cooper River.
Wednesday, April 12.
Finished the Battery in Front of No. 5 & lengthend the Approach about 60 yds.
[Blank]
Thursday, April 13.
About 10 A.M. the Batteries commenced Firing.
At Night finished the Approach + made a Boyeau on the Left Flank of it.
Repaired the Cheeks of the Embrazures & Pushed on a direct double Second Parallel at
the Head of the Sap. & Mortar Battery at the Traverse Sap in front of the 8 Gun Battery
for about 200 yds & commenced a second Parallel at the Stead of the Sap. + Mortar
Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Friday, April 14.
During the Night we compleated the double Sap Approach, & finished the Mortar
Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Saturday, April 15.
Lengthened the second Parallel about 30 yds & made a direct double Sap in front of
the Parallel for 20 yds with a Traverse. Compleated another mortar battery. Enlarged
the Howitzer Battery on the left of the Approach.
[Blank]
Sunday, April 16.
Made a direct double Sap from the first Parallel between No. 2 & 3 for near 300 yards
& a Parallel at the Head of it.
Monday, April 17.
Joined the 2nd Parallel from the right to the left.
Tuesday, April 18.
Employed during the Night in finishing the second Parallel.
Wednesday, 19 April.
During the Night cleared out a Place on the right & another on the Left of the 2nd
Parallel for Mortar Batteries & widend the Parallel- & lengthened the direct Sap on the
left for about 100 yds.
Thursday, April 20th.
Erected a Battery in the middle of the Main Road. & threw up Earth against the Blind in
the 2nd Parallel.
Friday, April 21.
During the Night made a 3rd Parallel on the left at the Head of the sap.
[Blank]
Friday 21st April contd.
Made a Lodgement on the right about 90 yds in front of the 2nd Parallel abt 100 yds in
Length & began a Communication by double Sap from the 2nd Parallel to it.
During this day 21 April the Enemy proposed Terms of Capitulation which were not
agreed to.
Saturday, April 22.
Compleated the Communication to the 3rd Paral- lel on the right. & lengthend the Part
of the 3rd Parallel on the left.
Sunday, 23rd April.
Lengthend the right & left of the third Parallel towds the Center.
Monday, 24th April. Continued the right & left Parts of the 3a Parallel
to the Enemy's advanced Ditch.
Tuesday, April 25. Commenced a direct Sap from the Left to the 3d Parallel towards the
Battardeau of the Wet Ditch + widend the Parallel for Batteries at.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 26th April.
A Working Party of 200 men employed during the day & a relief of the same Number
during the Night in widening the 3rd Parallel + making the Batteries at [blank space]
opened the Embrazures.
Thursday, 27 April.
Made the Battery on the right. Part of the 3rd Parallel for two 12 Pound & the Mortar
Battery adjoining.
During the Night continued the 3rd Parallel on the Left to the Morass, repaired the
Banguetts opened Passages to the Magazines 2 Brass 12 Pounders were
mounted on the Battery on the Left.
Friday, April 28.
Excavated Places for Magazines & widend Parts of the 3rd Parallel.
During the night threw up the Epaulmant of the Battery near the Gate of the Town.
made a Magazine for the 2 12 Pounds on the Left.
Two Iron twelve Pounders were mounted on the Battery in the right of the 3rd Parallel.
[Blank]
Saturday, April 29.
On the Left of the 3rd Parallel finished the Epaulmt of the Battery near the Gate.
On the right of the 3rd Parallel made a Magazine for the Mortar Battery. & excavated a
place for a Magazine for the 2 12 Poundrs & also another for 2 24 Pounds on the right.
Repaired the Parallel &c.
At night the Cheeks of the Embrazures for the two 12 Pounders on the right were
fascined.
Sunday, 30 April.
Repairing & widening the 3rd Parallel carrying down the Stuff for Platforms carrying
Fascines, & cut the Sap thro' to the Marsh near the Battardeau.
Monday, May 1st.
Erecting Magazines & raising the Epaulments of the Batteries, opened the Sap into the
Enemy's Wet Ditch at the Bat- tardeau & during the night fascined the Cheeks of the
Embrazures of the Battery near the Gate, & made the direct double Sap.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 2.
Widened the Saps to the Battard'eau & the new Sap made Traverses in the Parallel &
repaired the Communications &c. Fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures & raised the
Epaulments of the four & two Gun Batteries on the left of the 3rd Parallel.
Wednesday, 3rd May.
Made a two Gun Battery on the Left of the 2nd Parallel, thicken'd the Epaulmt for a 4
Gun Battery on the right of the 3rd Parallel laying Platforms continued the 3rd Parallel
to the right Flank of the 4 Gun Battery on the Road.
Thursday, 4th May.
A very heavy rain during the day & night employed in laying Platforms & fascining the
Embrazures of the 2 Gun Battery on the Left of 2nd Parallel. Erect Magazines, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, 5th May.
Drain & repairing the Trenches after the Rain, cov- ering the Magazines &c. Fascined
the Cheeks of 2 Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right & 3 Embrazre in the
Battery in the Middle of the Road.
Saturday, 6th May.
Fascined the Cheeks of two Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right, repaired
No. 2 & No. 6 Batteries in the first Parallel raised the Traverses on the Flank of the 10
Gun Battery near the Gate.
Sunday, 7th May.
Was employed in compleating the Platforms, the Batteries, Magazines, &c. & during
the Night the Embrazures were unmasked.
Monday, 8th May.
The Town being Summon'd a Suspension of Hostilities continued 'till Tuesday 8 P.M.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 9.
At 8 P.M. the Enemy commenced firing. The night was employed in carrying on the
direct Saps. &c.
Wednesday, 10 May.
Widen'd the Saps & repaired the Parallel. During the Night repaired the Embrazures &
continued the Saps. across the Wet ditch & to the Abatis of the Advanced Work.
Thursday, 11 May.
Widened the Saps. At 3 P.M. the Enemy send out a Flag of Truce. A cessation of
Hostilities during the Night. Repaired the Embrazures.
Friday, 12 May.
Marched into Town at 2 P.M. it having capitulated.
2 Compan: Grenade. 63rd & 7th Regiment took possession.
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
command of Capt. Moncrief, commencing Feb. 29th and ending May 12th, 1780,
when the town capitulated. 21pp. Foolscap, sewed
Found among papers of Lieutenant John Wilson of the 71st British Infantry Acting
Euquineer
[unreadable pencil writing]
[Blank]
Journal of the Siege of Charleston
Tuesday, Feby 29, 1780.
At 7 o'Clock in the Evening the Brigade of Engineers, under the Command of Captain
Moncrief,2 assembled on James Island consisting of Lieut: Sutherland. Lieut: Haldane.
and Lieut: Fyers. Lieut: Durnford having been ordered to return from Edisto Inlet, to
Savannah, to join that Part of the Army under M. General Patterson.
Wednesday, March 1st, 1780.
Encamped near Head Quarters at Pereneau's [Peronneau's] House.* Lt: Sutherland was
ordered to Fort Johnstone [Johnson]. Boats arrived from the Fleet in Edisto Inlet
loaded with Boards, &c. which were immediately landed.
Thursday, March 2.
Prepared & inclosed a Park to receive Stores, Intrenching Tools, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, March 3, 1780
By Order of Captain Elphinstone of the Navy, Stores, Intrenching Tools &c. belonging
to the Engineer Department having been shifted from the Cargo Ships in Edisto Inlet,
to smaller depress for the more speedy Conveyance, arrived in Stono Inlet in the
Evening. ing been shifted from the larger Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller vessels Part of
which were immediately disembarked.
160 Spades & Shovels were sent to Fort Johnstone. A Working Party of 300 men was
requested to parade at 8 the next Morns.
Saturday, March 4. 1780
At day Break Captain Moncrief ordered three Redoubts to be traced, agreeable to the
Plan, which were intended to strengthen the Post, to be left on James Island, to cover
the Fleet in Stono Inlet, &c. The Depot of the Stores of the Army.
The Working Party was employed in making Fascines & erecting these Redoubts.
Sunday, March 5.
A Working Party employed as on the preceeding day at the Redoubts.
Lieut: Durnford arrived & joined the Brigade, he being counterordered, from going to
Savannah.
[Blank]
Sunday March 5 contin’d
Lieut: Durnford was ordered by the Command in Chief to relieve Lieut: Fyers from the
Redoubts, whom he ordered upon other Service.
The Light Infantry marched at about 9 in the Evening. Lieut: Haldane was ordered to
examine the Road & bridge across the Wappoo Creek whether it was passable for
Cannon. In consequence of his Report the Pioneers were ordered to repair the Road &
Bridge.
Monday, March 6th.
The Working Parties employed at the Redoubts in laying Abattis.
The Redoubts were finished. Light Infantry returns.
Tuesday, 7 March.
A Working Party of 100 Men employed in lay- ing Abattis. The Carpenters in landing &
preparing Materials for an 8 Gun Battery proposed to be erected on Fenwick's Point to
command the Mouth of Wappoo Creek.
Wednesday, 8th March.
Employed as on the preceding Day.
[Blank]
Thursday, 9th March. The Materials being prepared for the Battery they were rafted
thro' Wappoo Cut, to the Left Redoubt also three hun- dred Intrenching Tools. Lieut.
Sutherland returned from Fort Johnstone.
Friday, 10 March.
The Army having passed Wappoo Cut & en- camped on the North Side of Wappoo.
The Materials & Intrenching Tools were passed over the Creek & landed at
Lt. Durnford ordered to Tybee.
The Engineers encamped near the Landing.
Saturday, 11 March.
At Sun Set Captain Moncrief traced a Battery on Fenwick's point, which Lieut.
Sutherland with a Working Party im- mediately began to erect.
Sunday, 12 March.
At day Break the Working Party was dismissed, five Embrazures being opened towards
the Mouth of Wappoo, four of which were compleated & Platforms layed.
One 32 Pounder & a Howitzer being mounted on the Platforms.
Two of the Enemy's Gallies moved receiving upon the River out of the direction, of the
fire of the Battery & fired
[Blank]
Sunday, 12 March cont’d
Upon the Battery without doing any damage also an Armed Brig of the Enemy brought
too within our Line of Fire, but was soon obliged to retire, on a few Shot from the 32
Pound & was very soon followed by the Two Galleys.
On the Retreat of these vessels a Working Party was employed in compleating the
Battery for six guns, & in thickening the Merlons.
Monday, 13th March.
A Working Party employed at 7 in the Morn to close the rear of the Battery.
The Artillery mounted being 1 Howitzer, three 32 Pounders & two 24 Pounders.
Reported to the Commander in Chief that the Enemy appeared to be compleating the
Curtains on the South Side of Charlestown & that there were no vessels above the East
Point of the Town. Lieut. Fyers returned.
Tuesday, 14th March.
A Circular Redoubt began to be erected on the Left of the Battery under the direction
of Lieut Fyers.
Wednesday, 15th.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 15th March.
Finished the Circular Work.
Thursday, 16th.
Began to erect the Battery for one Howitzer & two 32 Pounders.
The Howitzer & two 24 Pounders being withdrawn from the lower Battery, the vacant
Embrazures were occupied by 3 more 32 Pounders which made the lower Battery
consist of six 32 Pounders.
Layed an Abatis around the Circular Redoubt. Lieut. Durnford ordered to Savannah.
Friday, 17th.
Finished the Battery, for the Howitzer & two 32 Pounders. Closed in the Rear, the
Abatis nearly layed & the Guns & Howitzer on the Platforms.
Saturday, 18th.
The Badness of the Weather prevented any Work being done.
[Blank]
Sunday, 19.
Finished the Abatis. Removed the Intrenching Tools &c from Head Qtr to Landing.
Barricaded & Abatis the House at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Wappoo.
Monday, 20th.
The Engineers moved their Camp to [blank space] with their Intrenching Tools & other
Stores, to be in readiness for the next movement of the Army.
Tuesday, 21st.
Employed in moving the Stores from the Landings on Wappoo to Linnen's Landing.
Wednesday, 22.
Erected a Redoubt at Linnen's Landing which was intended with [blank space]
House to cover the Landing Place.
Erected another Redoubt at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Linnen’s Creek
from small Parties of the Enemy that might annoy the Boats from that Point.
Moving Stores from the Landings on land on Wappoo to Linnen’s Landing.
[Blank]
Thursday, 23rd.
Layed an Abatis in the Interval of the House & Redoubt at Linnen's Landing. Also an
Abatis round the Redoubt at Owen's Point.
Continued to collect Boards & other necessary Stores.
Friday, 24th.
Moved the Stores nearer the Creek for the conveniency of immediate Embarkation.
Saturday, 25.
Nothing Extraordinary.
Sunday, 26.
Nothing Extraordinary. The Detachment of the Army under the Command of M. Gen1
Paterson arrived at Rantole's [Rantowle's] Bridge.
Monday, 27th.
Nothing Extraordinary.
The Flat Boats moved from Wappoo Creek to Linnen's Creek during the Night.
[Blank]
Tuesday, March 28.
About 12 o'clock the Army advanced to Drayton's House & halted during the Night
when the Flat Boats moved from Linnen's Creek to Drayton's Landing.
Wednesday, 29th.
About 8 PM the Army crossed Ashley River & landed at Fowler's Plantation about 14
miles from Charles-Town. They advanced to Ashley Ferry where they Halted during the
night.
Thursday, 30th.
The Army advanced to Gibbs' Plantation abt ½ mile from the Town.
The Yeagers skirmished with the Advanced Parties of the Enemy.
The Flat Boats returned to Linnen's Creek.
We proceeded immediately to pass our Stores & Tools from Linnen's Landing to Gibbs'
Landing.
[Blank]
Friday, 31st.
Landed our Intrenching Tools & our other Stores at Gibbs's Landing.
Made the Roads over the Swamps with Hurdles. The Pickets of the Line were pushed
forwd to a Bank within 1000 yds from the Enemy's Works-but were withdrawn again
during the Night.
Saturday, April 1st.
About 3 P. M. the Light Infantry advanced towards the Town, & about 8 o'Clock we
broke ground at about 800 yards from the Enemy's advanced Works & during the
Night erected the three Redoubts No 3, 4, 5, & converted the Bank into a Line of
Communication.
Sunday, April 2nd.
Prepared Frames & other Materials for a ten Gun Battery. During the Night the
Parapets of the three Redoubts were thickened & another Redoubt No. 1 was began
upon the Right.
[Blank]
Monday, April 3.
Having prepared the necessary Materials for a ten Gun Battery, at about 8 o'Clock P.M.
began to erect this Battery No. 6 within 350 yds of the Enemy which by Day-break was
compleated with nine Embrazures marked.
Tuesday, April 4.
Finished two Platforms in the Battery.
The Enemy kept a very heavy fire of Cannon during the Day, & a Ship of War moved up
Cooper river to the Mouth of Town Creek with an Intention to out- flank the Battery but
was obliged to retire, after firing a few Broadsides, her a Howitzer & a twenty four
Pounder being brought to bear upon from Distillery.
We sustained no Loss from the Enemy's Fire on the Battery-One man having been
killed & another Wounded, of the Detachment, before they got to the Battery
occasioned by their moving after day Break.
Tuesday, April 4th contd.
During the Night the Rear of the Ten Gun Battery was closed & the Parapets of No. 1
Redoubt were thickened.
Wednesday, April 5.
The Carpenters employed in preparing Materils &c.
During the Night erected three Sides of the Redoubt No. 2-Thick- ened the Merlons of
the Nine Gun Battery.-& widened the Approach to No. 1.
Thursday, April 6.
Opened the Communications in the Intervals of the Redoubts.
Prepared Materials for the Magazines at the Batteries.
Friday, April 7.
Compleated the Communication between No. 5 & No 6 & Widened the other
Communications.
Saturday, April 8.
During the Night began to erect a 12 Gun Battery on the right of No. 2 with the
Embraze masked.
Sunday, April 9.
Prepared Frames for an 8 Gun Battery in front of No. 5 Redoubt which was began
during the Night.
Opened nine Embrazures in the 12 Gun Battery mounted 6 24 Pounders & thickened
the Merlons.
Monday, 10 April.
Compleated the Battery for 6 Guns & added two more Embrazre being intended for 8
Guns. Excavated at the 12 Gun Battery a Communicat" for a Magazine.
Tuesday, 11 April.
During the Night we thickened the two Mortons [Merlons?] on the left of the Battery &
Pushed on an Approach from the Left Flank of the Battery towards the Right of the
Enemy's Works for 120 yds. Opened two Embrazures in No. 6 towards Cooper River.
Wednesday, April 12.
Finished the Battery in Front of No. 5 & lengthend the Approach about 60 yds.
[Blank]
Thursday, April 13.
About 10 A.M. the Batteries commenced Firing.
At Night finished the Approach + made a Boyeau on the Left Flank of it.
Repaired the Cheeks of the Embrazures & Pushed on a direct double Second Parallel at
the Head of the Sap. & Mortar Battery at the Traverse Sap in front of the 8 Gun Battery
for about 200 yds & commenced a second Parallel at the Stead of the Sap. + Mortar
Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Friday, April 14.
During the Night we compleated the double Sap Approach, & finished the Mortar
Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Saturday, April 15.
Lengthened the second Parallel about 30 yds & made a direct double Sap in front of
the Parallel for 20 yds with a Traverse. Compleated another mortar battery. Enlarged
the Howitzer Battery on the left of the Approach.
[Blank]
Sunday, April 16.
Made a direct double Sap from the first Parallel between No. 2 & 3 for near 300 yards
& a Parallel at the Head of it.
Monday, April 17.
Joined the 2nd Parallel from the right to the left.
Tuesday, April 18.
Employed during the Night in finishing the second Parallel.
Wednesday, 19 April.
During the Night cleared out a Place on the right & another on the Left of the 2nd
Parallel for Mortar Batteries & widend the Parallel- & lengthened the direct Sap on the
left for about 100 yds.
Thursday, April 20th.
Erected a Battery in the middle of the Main Road. & threw up Earth against the Blind in
the 2nd Parallel.
Friday, April 21.
During the Night made a 3rd Parallel on the left at the Head of the sap.
[Blank]
Friday 21st April contd.
Made a Lodgement on the right about 90 yds in front of the 2nd Parallel abt 100 yds in
Length & began a Communication by double Sap from the 2nd Parallel to it.
During this day 21 April the Enemy proposed Terms of Capitulation which were not
agreed to.
Saturday, April 22.
Compleated the Communication to the 3rd Paral- lel on the right. & lengthend the Part
of the 3rd Parallel on the left.
Sunday, 23rd April.
Lengthend the right & left of the third Parallel towds the Center.
Monday, 24th April. Continued the right & left Parts of the 3a Parallel
to the Enemy's advanced Ditch.
Tuesday, April 25. Commenced a direct Sap from the Left to the 3d Parallel towards the
Battardeau of the Wet Ditch + widend the Parallel for Batteries at.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 26th April.
A Working Party of 200 men employed during the day & a relief of the same Number
during the Night in widening the 3rd Parallel + making the Batteries at [blank space]
opened the Embrazures.
Thursday, 27 April.
Made the Battery on the right. Part of the 3rd Parallel for two 12 Pound & the Mortar
Battery adjoining.
During the Night continued the 3rd Parallel on the Left to the Morass, repaired the
Banguetts opened Passages to the Magazines 2 Brass 12 Pounders were
mounted on the Battery on the Left.
Friday, April 28.
Excavated Places for Magazines & widend Parts of the 3rd Parallel.
During the night threw up the Epaulmant of the Battery near the Gate of the Town.
made a Magazine for the 2 12 Pounds on the Left.
Two Iron twelve Pounders were mounted on the Battery in the right of the 3rd Parallel.
[Blank]
Saturday, April 29.
On the Left of the 3rd Parallel finished the Epaulmt of the Battery near the Gate.
On the right of the 3rd Parallel made a Magazine for the Mortar Battery. & excavated a
place for a Magazine for the 2 12 Poundrs & also another for 2 24 Pounds on the right.
Repaired the Parallel &c.
At night the Cheeks of the Embrazures for the two 12 Pounders on the right were
fascined.
Sunday, 30 April.
Repairing & widening the 3rd Parallel carrying down the Stuff for Platforms carrying
Fascines, & cut the Sap thro' to the Marsh near the Battardeau.
Monday, May 1st.
Erecting Magazines & raising the Epaulments of the Batteries, opened the Sap into the
Enemy's Wet Ditch at the Bat- tardeau & during the night fascined the Cheeks of the
Embrazures of the Battery near the Gate, & made the direct double Sap.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 2.
Widened the Saps to the Battard'eau & the new Sap made Traverses in the Parallel &
repaired the Communications &c. Fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures & raised the
Epaulments of the four & two Gun Batteries on the left of the 3rd Parallel.
Wednesday, 3rd May.
Made a two Gun Battery on the Left of the 2nd Parallel, thicken'd the Epaulmt for a 4
Gun Battery on the right of the 3rd Parallel laying Platforms continued the 3rd Parallel
to the right Flank of the 4 Gun Battery on the Road.
Thursday, 4th May.
A very heavy rain during the day & night employed in laying Platforms & fascining the
Embrazures of the 2 Gun Battery on the Left of 2nd Parallel. Erect Magazines, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, 5th May.
Drain & repairing the Trenches after the Rain, cov- ering the Magazines &c. Fascined
the Cheeks of 2 Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right & 3 Embrazre in the
Battery in the Middle of the Road.
Saturday, 6th May.
Fascined the Cheeks of two Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right, repaired
No. 2 & No. 6 Batteries in the first Parallel raised the Traverses on the Flank of the 10
Gun Battery near the Gate.
Sunday, 7th May.
Was employed in compleating the Platforms, the Batteries, Magazines, &c. & during
the Night the Embrazures were unmasked.
Monday, 8th May.
The Town being Summon'd a Suspension of Hostilities continued 'till Tuesday 8 P.M.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 9.
At 8 P.M. the Enemy commenced firing. The night was employed in carrying on the
direct Saps. &c.
Wednesday, 10 May.
Widen'd the Saps & repaired the Parallel. During the Night repaired the Embrazures &
continued the Saps. across the Wet ditch & to the Abatis of the Advanced Work.
Thursday, 11 May.
Widened the Saps. At 3 P.M. the Enemy send out a Flag of Truce. A cessation of
Hostilities during the Night. Repaired the Embrazures.
Friday, 12 May.
Marched into Town at 2 P.M. it having capitulated.
2 Compan: Grenade. 63rd & 7th Regiment took possession.
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
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Dublin Core
Title
Journal of the siege of Charleston, 1780.
Creator
Date
1780-02-29
Subject
Description
The journal covers every day between February 29th and May 12th, 1780. The entries describe the British actions during the Siege of Charleston. The names of various British officers appear throughout the journal. The first entry describes the initial plans of an attack from the Brigade of Engineers under the command of Captain Moncrieff on James Island. The final entry states that the British marched into Charleston at 2 P. M. on May 12, 1780 after the city had surrendered.
2023-05-15
300 dpi, 16-bit depth, color, Canon EOS 5DS, Archival masters are RAW.
Contributor
Rights
Copyright has not been assigned to the Charleston Library Society. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Special Collections Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Charleston Library Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
Format
image/jpeg
Type
StillImage
Source
Ms. 184, Journal of the siege of Charleston, 1780.
Language
English
Identifier
ms184
Text Item Type Metadata
Transcription
Journal of the Siege of Charleston by the Corps of British Engineers under the command of Capt. Moncrief, commencing Feb. 29th and ending May 12th, 1780, when the town capitulated. 21pp. Foolscap, sewed
Found among papers of Lieutenant John Wilson of the 71st British Infantry Acting Euquineer
[unreadable pencil writing]
[Blank]
Journal of the Siege of Charleston
Tuesday, Feby 29, 1780.
At 7 o'Clock in the Evening the Brigade of Engineers, under the Command of Captain Moncrief,2 assembled on James Island consisting of Lieut: Sutherland. Lieut: Haldane. and Lieut: Fyers. Lieut: Durnford having been ordered to return from Edisto Inlet, to Savannah, to join that Part of the Army under M. General Patterson.
Wednesday, March 1st, 1780.
Encamped near Head Quarters at Pereneau's [Peronneau's] House.* Lt: Sutherland was ordered to Fort Johnstone [Johnson]. Boats arrived from the Fleet in Edisto Inlet loaded with Boards, &c. which were immediately landed.
Thursday, March 2.
Prepared & inclosed a Park to receive Stores, Intrenching Tools, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, March 3, 1780
By Order of Captain Elphinstone of the Navy, Stores, Intrenching Tools &c. belonging to the Engineer Department having been shifted from the Cargo Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller depress for the more speedy Conveyance, arrived in Stono Inlet in the Evening. ing been shifted from the larger Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller vessels Part of which were immediately disembarked.
160 Spades & Shovels were sent to Fort Johnstone. A Working Party of 300 men was requested to parade at 8 the next Morns.
Saturday, March 4. 1780
At day Break Captain Moncrief ordered three Redoubts to be traced, agreeable to the Plan, which were intended to strengthen the Post, to be left on James Island, to cover the Fleet in Stono Inlet, &c. The Depot of the Stores of the Army.
The Working Party was employed in making Fascines & erecting these Redoubts.
Sunday, March 5.
A Working Party employed as on the preceeding day at the Redoubts.
Lieut: Durnford arrived & joined the Brigade, he being counterordered, from going to Savannah.
[Blank]
Sunday March 5 contin’d
Lieut: Durnford was ordered by the Command in Chief to relieve Lieut: Fyers from the Redoubts, whom he ordered upon other Service.
The Light Infantry marched at about 9 in the Evening. Lieut: Haldane was ordered to examine the Road & bridge across the Wappoo Creek whether it was passable for Cannon. In consequence of his Report the Pioneers were ordered to repair the Road & Bridge.
Monday, March 6th.
The Working Parties employed at the Redoubts in laying Abattis.
The Redoubts were finished. Light Infantry returns.
Tuesday, 7 March.
A Working Party of 100 Men employed in lay- ing Abattis. The Carpenters in landing & preparing Materials for an 8 Gun Battery proposed to be erected on Fenwick's Point to command the Mouth of Wappoo Creek.
Wednesday, 8th March.
Employed as on the preceding Day.
[Blank]
Thursday, 9th March. The Materials being prepared for the Battery they were rafted thro' Wappoo Cut, to the Left Redoubt also three hun- dred Intrenching Tools. Lieut. Sutherland returned from Fort Johnstone.
Friday, 10 March.
The Army having passed Wappoo Cut & en- camped on the North Side of Wappoo. The Materials & Intrenching Tools were passed over the Creek & landed at
Lt. Durnford ordered to Tybee.
The Engineers encamped near the Landing.
Saturday, 11 March.
At Sun Set Captain Moncrief traced a Battery on Fenwick's point, which Lieut. Sutherland with a Working Party im- mediately began to erect.
Sunday, 12 March.
At day Break the Working Party was dismissed, five Embrazures being opened towards the Mouth of Wappoo, four of which were compleated & Platforms layed.
One 32 Pounder & a Howitzer being mounted on the Platforms.
Two of the Enemy's Gallies moved receiving upon the River out of the direction, of the fire of the Battery & fired
[Blank]
Sunday, 12 March cont’d
Upon the Battery without doing any damage also an Armed Brig of the Enemy brought too within our Line of Fire, but was soon obliged to retire, on a few Shot from the 32 Pound & was very soon followed by the Two Galleys.
On the Retreat of these vessels a Working Party was employed in compleating the Battery for six guns, & in thickening the Merlons.
Monday, 13th March.
A Working Party employed at 7 in the Morn to close the rear of the Battery.
The Artillery mounted being 1 Howitzer, three 32 Pounders & two 24 Pounders.
Reported to the Commander in Chief that the Enemy appeared to be compleating the Curtains on the South Side of Charlestown & that there were no vessels above the East Point of the Town. Lieut. Fyers returned.
Tuesday, 14th March.
A Circular Redoubt began to be erected on the Left of the Battery under the direction of Lieut Fyers.
Wednesday, 15th.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 15th March.
Finished the Circular Work.
Thursday, 16th.
Began to erect the Battery for one Howitzer & two 32 Pounders.
The Howitzer & two 24 Pounders being withdrawn from the lower Battery, the vacant Embrazures were occupied by 3 more 32 Pounders which made the lower Battery consist of six 32 Pounders.
Layed an Abatis around the Circular Redoubt. Lieut. Durnford ordered to Savannah.
Friday, 17th.
Finished the Battery, for the Howitzer & two 32 Pounders. Closed in the Rear, the Abatis nearly layed & the Guns & Howitzer on the Platforms.
Saturday, 18th.
The Badness of the Weather prevented any Work being done.
[Blank]
Sunday, 19.
Finished the Abatis. Removed the Intrenching Tools &c from Head Qtr to Landing. Barricaded & Abatis the House at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Wappoo.
Monday, 20th.
The Engineers moved their Camp to [blank space] with their Intrenching Tools & other Stores, to be in readiness for the next movement of the Army.
Tuesday, 21st.
Employed in moving the Stores from the Landings on Wappoo to Linnen's Landing.
Wednesday, 22.
Erected a Redoubt at Linnen's Landing which was intended with [blank space]
House to cover the Landing Place.
Erected another Redoubt at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Linnen’s Creek from small Parties of the Enemy that might annoy the Boats from that Point.
Moving Stores from the Landings on land on Wappoo to Linnen’s Landing.
[Blank]
Thursday, 23rd.
Layed an Abatis in the Interval of the House & Redoubt at Linnen's Landing. Also an Abatis round the Redoubt at Owen's Point.
Continued to collect Boards & other necessary Stores.
Friday, 24th.
Moved the Stores nearer the Creek for the conveniency of immediate Embarkation.
Saturday, 25.
Nothing Extraordinary.
Sunday, 26.
Nothing Extraordinary. The Detachment of the Army under the Command of M. Gen1 Paterson arrived at Rantole's [Rantowle's] Bridge.
Monday, 27th.
Nothing Extraordinary.
The Flat Boats moved from Wappoo Creek to Linnen's Creek during the Night.
[Blank]
Tuesday, March 28.
About 12 o'clock the Army advanced to Drayton's House & halted during the Night when the Flat Boats moved from Linnen's Creek to Drayton's Landing.
Wednesday, 29th.
About 8 PM the Army crossed Ashley River & landed at Fowler's Plantation about 14 miles from Charles-Town. They advanced to Ashley Ferry where they Halted during the night.
Thursday, 30th.
The Army advanced to Gibbs' Plantation abt 1⁄2 mile from the Town.
The Yeagers skirmished with the Advanced Parties of the Enemy.
The Flat Boats returned to Linnen's Creek.
We proceeded immediately to pass our Stores & Tools from Linnen's Landing to Gibbs' Landing.
[Blank]
Friday, 31st.
Landed our Intrenching Tools & our other Stores at Gibbs's Landing.
Made the Roads over the Swamps with Hurdles. The Pickets of the Line were pushed forwd to a Bank within 1000 yds from the Enemy's Works-but were withdrawn again during the Night.
Saturday, April 1st.
About 3 P. M. the Light Infantry advanced towards the Town, & about 8 o'Clock we broke ground at about 800 yards from the Enemy's advanced Works & during the Night erected the three Redoubts No 3, 4, 5, & converted the Bank into a Line of Communication.
Sunday, April 2nd.
Prepared Frames & other Materials for a ten Gun Battery. During the Night the Parapets of the three Redoubts were thickened & another Redoubt No. 1 was began upon the Right.
[Blank]
Monday, April 3.
Having prepared the necessary Materials for a ten Gun Battery, at about 8 o'Clock P.M. began to erect this Battery No. 6 within 350 yds of the Enemy which by Day-break was compleated with nine Embrazures marked.
Tuesday, April 4.
Finished two Platforms in the Battery.
The Enemy kept a very heavy fire of Cannon during the Day, & a Ship of War moved up Cooper river to the Mouth of Town Creek with an Intention to out- flank the Battery but was obliged to retire, after firing a few Broadsides, her a Howitzer & a twenty four Pounder being brought to bear upon from Distillery.
We sustained no Loss from the Enemy's Fire on the Battery-One man having been killed & another Wounded, of the Detachment, before they got to the Battery occasioned by their moving after day Break.
Tuesday, April 4th contd.
During the Night the Rear of the Ten Gun Battery was closed & the Parapets of No. 1 Redoubt were thickened.
Wednesday, April 5.
The Carpenters employed in preparing Materils &c.
During the Night erected three Sides of the Redoubt No. 2-Thick- ened the Merlons of the Nine Gun Battery.-& widened the Approach to No. 1.
Thursday, April 6.
Opened the Communications in the Intervals of the Redoubts.
Prepared Materials for the Magazines at the Batteries.
Friday, April 7.
Compleated the Communication between No. 5 & No 6 & Widened the other Communications.
Saturday, April 8.
During the Night began to erect a 12 Gun Battery on the right of No. 2 with the Embraze masked.
Sunday, April 9.
Prepared Frames for an 8 Gun Battery in front of No. 5 Redoubt which was began during the Night.
Opened nine Embrazures in the 12 Gun Battery mounted 6 24 Pounders & thickened the Merlons.
Monday, 10 April.
Compleated the Battery for 6 Guns & added two more Embrazre being intended for 8 Guns. Excavated at the 12 Gun Battery a Communicat" for a Magazine.
Tuesday, 11 April.
During the Night we thickened the two Mortons [Merlons?] on the left of the Battery & Pushed on an Approach from the Left Flank of the Battery towards the Right of the Enemy's Works for 120 yds. Opened two Embrazures in No. 6 towards Cooper River.
Wednesday, April 12.
Finished the Battery in Front of No. 5 & lengthend the Approach about 60 yds.
[Blank]
Thursday, April 13.
About 10 A.M. the Batteries commenced Firing.
At Night finished the Approach + made a Boyeau on the Left Flank of it.
Repaired the Cheeks of the Embrazures & Pushed on a direct double Second Parallel at the Head of the Sap. & Mortar Battery at the Traverse Sap in front of the 8 Gun Battery for about 200 yds & commenced a second Parallel at the Stead of the Sap. + Mortar Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Friday, April 14.
During the Night we compleated the double Sap Approach, & finished the Mortar Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Saturday, April 15.
Lengthened the second Parallel about 30 yds & made a direct double Sap in front of the Parallel for 20 yds with a Traverse. Compleated another mortar battery. Enlarged the Howitzer Battery on the left of the Approach.
[Blank]
Sunday, April 16.
Made a direct double Sap from the first Parallel between No. 2 & 3 for near 300 yards & a Parallel at the Head of it.
Monday, April 17.
Joined the 2nd Parallel from the right to the left.
Tuesday, April 18.
Employed during the Night in finishing the second Parallel.
Wednesday, 19 April.
During the Night cleared out a Place on the right & another on the Left of the 2nd Parallel for Mortar Batteries & widend the Parallel- & lengthened the direct Sap on the left for about 100 yds.
Thursday, April 20th.
Erected a Battery in the middle of the Main Road. & threw up Earth against the Blind in the 2nd Parallel.
Friday, April 21.
During the Night made a 3rd Parallel on the left at the Head of the sap.
[Blank]
Friday 21st April contd.
Made a Lodgement on the right about 90 yds in front of the 2nd Parallel abt 100 yds in Length & began a Communication by double Sap from the 2nd Parallel to it.
During this day 21 April the Enemy proposed Terms of Capitulation which were not agreed to.
Saturday, April 22.
Compleated the Communication to the 3rd Paral- lel on the right. & lengthend the Part of the 3rd Parallel on the left.
Sunday, 23rd April.
Lengthend the right & left of the third Parallel towds the Center.
Monday, 24th April. Continued the right & left Parts of the 3a Parallel
to the Enemy's advanced Ditch.
Tuesday, April 25. Commenced a direct Sap from the Left to the 3d Parallel towards the Battardeau of the Wet Ditch + widend the Parallel for Batteries at.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 26th April.
A Working Party of 200 men employed during the day & a relief of the same Number during the Night in widening the 3rd Parallel + making the Batteries at [blank space] opened the Embrazures.
Thursday, 27 April.
Made the Battery on the right. Part of the 3rd Parallel for two 12 Pound & the Mortar Battery adjoining.
During the Night continued the 3rd Parallel on the Left to the Morass, repaired the Banguetts opened Passages to the Magazines 2 Brass 12 Pounders were
mounted on the Battery on the Left.
Friday, April 28.
Excavated Places for Magazines & widend Parts of the 3rd Parallel.
During the night threw up the Epaulmant of the Battery near the Gate of the Town. made a Magazine for the 2 12 Pounds on the Left.
Two Iron twelve Pounders were mounted on the Battery in the right of the 3rd Parallel.
[Blank]
Saturday, April 29.
On the Left of the 3rd Parallel finished the Epaulmt of the Battery near the Gate.
On the right of the 3rd Parallel made a Magazine for the Mortar Battery. & excavated a place for a Magazine for the 2 12 Poundrs & also another for 2 24 Pounds on the right. Repaired the Parallel &c.
At night the Cheeks of the Embrazures for the two 12 Pounders on the right were fascined.
Sunday, 30 April.
Repairing & widening the 3rd Parallel carrying down the Stuff for Platforms carrying Fascines, & cut the Sap thro' to the Marsh near the Battardeau.
Monday, May 1st.
Erecting Magazines & raising the Epaulments of the Batteries, opened the Sap into the Enemy's Wet Ditch at the Bat- tardeau & during the night fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures of the Battery near the Gate, & made the direct double Sap.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 2.
Widened the Saps to the Battard'eau & the new Sap made Traverses in the Parallel & repaired the Communications &c. Fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures & raised the Epaulments of the four & two Gun Batteries on the left of the 3rd Parallel.
Wednesday, 3rd May.
Made a two Gun Battery on the Left of the 2nd Parallel, thicken'd the Epaulmt for a 4 Gun Battery on the right of the 3rd Parallel laying Platforms continued the 3rd Parallel to the right Flank of the 4 Gun Battery on the Road.
Thursday, 4th May.
A very heavy rain during the day & night employed in laying Platforms & fascining the Embrazures of the 2 Gun Battery on the Left of 2nd Parallel. Erect Magazines, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, 5th May.
Drain & repairing the Trenches after the Rain, cov- ering the Magazines &c. Fascined the Cheeks of 2 Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right & 3 Embrazre in the Battery in the Middle of the Road.
Saturday, 6th May.
Fascined the Cheeks of two Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right, repaired No. 2 & No. 6 Batteries in the first Parallel raised the Traverses on the Flank of the 10 Gun Battery near the Gate.
Sunday, 7th May.
Was employed in compleating the Platforms, the Batteries, Magazines, &c. & during the Night the Embrazures were unmasked.
Monday, 8th May.
The Town being Summon'd a Suspension of Hostilities continued 'till Tuesday 8 P.M.
[Blank]
Tuesday, May 9.
At 8 P.M. the Enemy commenced firing. The night was employed in carrying on the direct Saps. &c.
Wednesday, 10 May.
Widen'd the Saps & repaired the Parallel. During the Night repaired the Embrazures & continued the Saps. across the Wet ditch & to the Abatis of the Advanced Work.
Thursday, 11 May.
Widened the Saps. At 3 P.M. the Enemy send out a Flag of Truce. A cessation of Hostilities during the Night. Repaired the Embrazures.
Friday, 12 May.
Marched into Town at 2 P.M. it having capitulated.
2 Compan: Grenade. 63rd & 7th Regiment took possession.
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
[Blank]
Found among papers of Lieutenant John Wilson of the 71st British Infantry Acting Euquineer
[unreadable pencil writing]
[Blank]
Journal of the Siege of Charleston
Tuesday, Feby 29, 1780.
At 7 o'Clock in the Evening the Brigade of Engineers, under the Command of Captain Moncrief,2 assembled on James Island consisting of Lieut: Sutherland. Lieut: Haldane. and Lieut: Fyers. Lieut: Durnford having been ordered to return from Edisto Inlet, to Savannah, to join that Part of the Army under M. General Patterson.
Wednesday, March 1st, 1780.
Encamped near Head Quarters at Pereneau's [Peronneau's] House.* Lt: Sutherland was ordered to Fort Johnstone [Johnson]. Boats arrived from the Fleet in Edisto Inlet loaded with Boards, &c. which were immediately landed.
Thursday, March 2.
Prepared & inclosed a Park to receive Stores, Intrenching Tools, &c.
[Blank]
Friday, March 3, 1780
By Order of Captain Elphinstone of the Navy, Stores, Intrenching Tools &c. belonging to the Engineer Department having been shifted from the Cargo Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller depress for the more speedy Conveyance, arrived in Stono Inlet in the Evening. ing been shifted from the larger Ships in Edisto Inlet, to smaller vessels Part of which were immediately disembarked.
160 Spades & Shovels were sent to Fort Johnstone. A Working Party of 300 men was requested to parade at 8 the next Morns.
Saturday, March 4. 1780
At day Break Captain Moncrief ordered three Redoubts to be traced, agreeable to the Plan, which were intended to strengthen the Post, to be left on James Island, to cover the Fleet in Stono Inlet, &c. The Depot of the Stores of the Army.
The Working Party was employed in making Fascines & erecting these Redoubts.
Sunday, March 5.
A Working Party employed as on the preceeding day at the Redoubts.
Lieut: Durnford arrived & joined the Brigade, he being counterordered, from going to Savannah.
[Blank]
Sunday March 5 contin’d
Lieut: Durnford was ordered by the Command in Chief to relieve Lieut: Fyers from the Redoubts, whom he ordered upon other Service.
The Light Infantry marched at about 9 in the Evening. Lieut: Haldane was ordered to examine the Road & bridge across the Wappoo Creek whether it was passable for Cannon. In consequence of his Report the Pioneers were ordered to repair the Road & Bridge.
Monday, March 6th.
The Working Parties employed at the Redoubts in laying Abattis.
The Redoubts were finished. Light Infantry returns.
Tuesday, 7 March.
A Working Party of 100 Men employed in lay- ing Abattis. The Carpenters in landing & preparing Materials for an 8 Gun Battery proposed to be erected on Fenwick's Point to command the Mouth of Wappoo Creek.
Wednesday, 8th March.
Employed as on the preceding Day.
[Blank]
Thursday, 9th March. The Materials being prepared for the Battery they were rafted thro' Wappoo Cut, to the Left Redoubt also three hun- dred Intrenching Tools. Lieut. Sutherland returned from Fort Johnstone.
Friday, 10 March.
The Army having passed Wappoo Cut & en- camped on the North Side of Wappoo. The Materials & Intrenching Tools were passed over the Creek & landed at
Lt. Durnford ordered to Tybee.
The Engineers encamped near the Landing.
Saturday, 11 March.
At Sun Set Captain Moncrief traced a Battery on Fenwick's point, which Lieut. Sutherland with a Working Party im- mediately began to erect.
Sunday, 12 March.
At day Break the Working Party was dismissed, five Embrazures being opened towards the Mouth of Wappoo, four of which were compleated & Platforms layed.
One 32 Pounder & a Howitzer being mounted on the Platforms.
Two of the Enemy's Gallies moved receiving upon the River out of the direction, of the fire of the Battery & fired
[Blank]
Sunday, 12 March cont’d
Upon the Battery without doing any damage also an Armed Brig of the Enemy brought too within our Line of Fire, but was soon obliged to retire, on a few Shot from the 32 Pound & was very soon followed by the Two Galleys.
On the Retreat of these vessels a Working Party was employed in compleating the Battery for six guns, & in thickening the Merlons.
Monday, 13th March.
A Working Party employed at 7 in the Morn to close the rear of the Battery.
The Artillery mounted being 1 Howitzer, three 32 Pounders & two 24 Pounders.
Reported to the Commander in Chief that the Enemy appeared to be compleating the Curtains on the South Side of Charlestown & that there were no vessels above the East Point of the Town. Lieut. Fyers returned.
Tuesday, 14th March.
A Circular Redoubt began to be erected on the Left of the Battery under the direction of Lieut Fyers.
Wednesday, 15th.
[Blank]
Wednesday, 15th March.
Finished the Circular Work.
Thursday, 16th.
Began to erect the Battery for one Howitzer & two 32 Pounders.
The Howitzer & two 24 Pounders being withdrawn from the lower Battery, the vacant Embrazures were occupied by 3 more 32 Pounders which made the lower Battery consist of six 32 Pounders.
Layed an Abatis around the Circular Redoubt. Lieut. Durnford ordered to Savannah.
Friday, 17th.
Finished the Battery, for the Howitzer & two 32 Pounders. Closed in the Rear, the Abatis nearly layed & the Guns & Howitzer on the Platforms.
Saturday, 18th.
The Badness of the Weather prevented any Work being done.
[Blank]
Sunday, 19.
Finished the Abatis. Removed the Intrenching Tools &c from Head Qtr to Landing. Barricaded & Abatis the House at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Wappoo.
Monday, 20th.
The Engineers moved their Camp to [blank space] with their Intrenching Tools & other Stores, to be in readiness for the next movement of the Army.
Tuesday, 21st.
Employed in moving the Stores from the Landings on Wappoo to Linnen's Landing.
Wednesday, 22.
Erected a Redoubt at Linnen's Landing which was intended with [blank space]
House to cover the Landing Place.
Erected another Redoubt at [blank space] to secure the Navigation of Linnen’s Creek from small Parties of the Enemy that might annoy the Boats from that Point.
Moving Stores from the Landings on land on Wappoo to Linnen’s Landing.
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Thursday, 23rd.
Layed an Abatis in the Interval of the House & Redoubt at Linnen's Landing. Also an Abatis round the Redoubt at Owen's Point.
Continued to collect Boards & other necessary Stores.
Friday, 24th.
Moved the Stores nearer the Creek for the conveniency of immediate Embarkation.
Saturday, 25.
Nothing Extraordinary.
Sunday, 26.
Nothing Extraordinary. The Detachment of the Army under the Command of M. Gen1 Paterson arrived at Rantole's [Rantowle's] Bridge.
Monday, 27th.
Nothing Extraordinary.
The Flat Boats moved from Wappoo Creek to Linnen's Creek during the Night.
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Tuesday, March 28.
About 12 o'clock the Army advanced to Drayton's House & halted during the Night when the Flat Boats moved from Linnen's Creek to Drayton's Landing.
Wednesday, 29th.
About 8 PM the Army crossed Ashley River & landed at Fowler's Plantation about 14 miles from Charles-Town. They advanced to Ashley Ferry where they Halted during the night.
Thursday, 30th.
The Army advanced to Gibbs' Plantation abt 1⁄2 mile from the Town.
The Yeagers skirmished with the Advanced Parties of the Enemy.
The Flat Boats returned to Linnen's Creek.
We proceeded immediately to pass our Stores & Tools from Linnen's Landing to Gibbs' Landing.
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Friday, 31st.
Landed our Intrenching Tools & our other Stores at Gibbs's Landing.
Made the Roads over the Swamps with Hurdles. The Pickets of the Line were pushed forwd to a Bank within 1000 yds from the Enemy's Works-but were withdrawn again during the Night.
Saturday, April 1st.
About 3 P. M. the Light Infantry advanced towards the Town, & about 8 o'Clock we broke ground at about 800 yards from the Enemy's advanced Works & during the Night erected the three Redoubts No 3, 4, 5, & converted the Bank into a Line of Communication.
Sunday, April 2nd.
Prepared Frames & other Materials for a ten Gun Battery. During the Night the Parapets of the three Redoubts were thickened & another Redoubt No. 1 was began upon the Right.
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Monday, April 3.
Having prepared the necessary Materials for a ten Gun Battery, at about 8 o'Clock P.M. began to erect this Battery No. 6 within 350 yds of the Enemy which by Day-break was compleated with nine Embrazures marked.
Tuesday, April 4.
Finished two Platforms in the Battery.
The Enemy kept a very heavy fire of Cannon during the Day, & a Ship of War moved up Cooper river to the Mouth of Town Creek with an Intention to out- flank the Battery but was obliged to retire, after firing a few Broadsides, her a Howitzer & a twenty four Pounder being brought to bear upon from Distillery.
We sustained no Loss from the Enemy's Fire on the Battery-One man having been killed & another Wounded, of the Detachment, before they got to the Battery occasioned by their moving after day Break.
Tuesday, April 4th contd.
During the Night the Rear of the Ten Gun Battery was closed & the Parapets of No. 1 Redoubt were thickened.
Wednesday, April 5.
The Carpenters employed in preparing Materils &c.
During the Night erected three Sides of the Redoubt No. 2-Thick- ened the Merlons of the Nine Gun Battery.-& widened the Approach to No. 1.
Thursday, April 6.
Opened the Communications in the Intervals of the Redoubts.
Prepared Materials for the Magazines at the Batteries.
Friday, April 7.
Compleated the Communication between No. 5 & No 6 & Widened the other Communications.
Saturday, April 8.
During the Night began to erect a 12 Gun Battery on the right of No. 2 with the Embraze masked.
Sunday, April 9.
Prepared Frames for an 8 Gun Battery in front of No. 5 Redoubt which was began during the Night.
Opened nine Embrazures in the 12 Gun Battery mounted 6 24 Pounders & thickened the Merlons.
Monday, 10 April.
Compleated the Battery for 6 Guns & added two more Embrazre being intended for 8 Guns. Excavated at the 12 Gun Battery a Communicat" for a Magazine.
Tuesday, 11 April.
During the Night we thickened the two Mortons [Merlons?] on the left of the Battery & Pushed on an Approach from the Left Flank of the Battery towards the Right of the Enemy's Works for 120 yds. Opened two Embrazures in No. 6 towards Cooper River.
Wednesday, April 12.
Finished the Battery in Front of No. 5 & lengthend the Approach about 60 yds.
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Thursday, April 13.
About 10 A.M. the Batteries commenced Firing.
At Night finished the Approach + made a Boyeau on the Left Flank of it.
Repaired the Cheeks of the Embrazures & Pushed on a direct double Second Parallel at the Head of the Sap. & Mortar Battery at the Traverse Sap in front of the 8 Gun Battery for about 200 yds & commenced a second Parallel at the Stead of the Sap. + Mortar Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Friday, April 14.
During the Night we compleated the double Sap Approach, & finished the Mortar Battery at the Traverse in the Approach.
Saturday, April 15.
Lengthened the second Parallel about 30 yds & made a direct double Sap in front of the Parallel for 20 yds with a Traverse. Compleated another mortar battery. Enlarged the Howitzer Battery on the left of the Approach.
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Sunday, April 16.
Made a direct double Sap from the first Parallel between No. 2 & 3 for near 300 yards & a Parallel at the Head of it.
Monday, April 17.
Joined the 2nd Parallel from the right to the left.
Tuesday, April 18.
Employed during the Night in finishing the second Parallel.
Wednesday, 19 April.
During the Night cleared out a Place on the right & another on the Left of the 2nd Parallel for Mortar Batteries & widend the Parallel- & lengthened the direct Sap on the left for about 100 yds.
Thursday, April 20th.
Erected a Battery in the middle of the Main Road. & threw up Earth against the Blind in the 2nd Parallel.
Friday, April 21.
During the Night made a 3rd Parallel on the left at the Head of the sap.
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Friday 21st April contd.
Made a Lodgement on the right about 90 yds in front of the 2nd Parallel abt 100 yds in Length & began a Communication by double Sap from the 2nd Parallel to it.
During this day 21 April the Enemy proposed Terms of Capitulation which were not agreed to.
Saturday, April 22.
Compleated the Communication to the 3rd Paral- lel on the right. & lengthend the Part of the 3rd Parallel on the left.
Sunday, 23rd April.
Lengthend the right & left of the third Parallel towds the Center.
Monday, 24th April. Continued the right & left Parts of the 3a Parallel
to the Enemy's advanced Ditch.
Tuesday, April 25. Commenced a direct Sap from the Left to the 3d Parallel towards the Battardeau of the Wet Ditch + widend the Parallel for Batteries at.
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Wednesday, 26th April.
A Working Party of 200 men employed during the day & a relief of the same Number during the Night in widening the 3rd Parallel + making the Batteries at [blank space] opened the Embrazures.
Thursday, 27 April.
Made the Battery on the right. Part of the 3rd Parallel for two 12 Pound & the Mortar Battery adjoining.
During the Night continued the 3rd Parallel on the Left to the Morass, repaired the Banguetts opened Passages to the Magazines 2 Brass 12 Pounders were
mounted on the Battery on the Left.
Friday, April 28.
Excavated Places for Magazines & widend Parts of the 3rd Parallel.
During the night threw up the Epaulmant of the Battery near the Gate of the Town. made a Magazine for the 2 12 Pounds on the Left.
Two Iron twelve Pounders were mounted on the Battery in the right of the 3rd Parallel.
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Saturday, April 29.
On the Left of the 3rd Parallel finished the Epaulmt of the Battery near the Gate.
On the right of the 3rd Parallel made a Magazine for the Mortar Battery. & excavated a place for a Magazine for the 2 12 Poundrs & also another for 2 24 Pounds on the right. Repaired the Parallel &c.
At night the Cheeks of the Embrazures for the two 12 Pounders on the right were fascined.
Sunday, 30 April.
Repairing & widening the 3rd Parallel carrying down the Stuff for Platforms carrying Fascines, & cut the Sap thro' to the Marsh near the Battardeau.
Monday, May 1st.
Erecting Magazines & raising the Epaulments of the Batteries, opened the Sap into the Enemy's Wet Ditch at the Bat- tardeau & during the night fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures of the Battery near the Gate, & made the direct double Sap.
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Tuesday, May 2.
Widened the Saps to the Battard'eau & the new Sap made Traverses in the Parallel & repaired the Communications &c. Fascined the Cheeks of the Embrazures & raised the Epaulments of the four & two Gun Batteries on the left of the 3rd Parallel.
Wednesday, 3rd May.
Made a two Gun Battery on the Left of the 2nd Parallel, thicken'd the Epaulmt for a 4 Gun Battery on the right of the 3rd Parallel laying Platforms continued the 3rd Parallel to the right Flank of the 4 Gun Battery on the Road.
Thursday, 4th May.
A very heavy rain during the day & night employed in laying Platforms & fascining the Embrazures of the 2 Gun Battery on the Left of 2nd Parallel. Erect Magazines, &c.
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Friday, 5th May.
Drain & repairing the Trenches after the Rain, cov- ering the Magazines &c. Fascined the Cheeks of 2 Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right & 3 Embrazre in the Battery in the Middle of the Road.
Saturday, 6th May.
Fascined the Cheeks of two Embrazures in the four Gun Battery on the right, repaired No. 2 & No. 6 Batteries in the first Parallel raised the Traverses on the Flank of the 10 Gun Battery near the Gate.
Sunday, 7th May.
Was employed in compleating the Platforms, the Batteries, Magazines, &c. & during the Night the Embrazures were unmasked.
Monday, 8th May.
The Town being Summon'd a Suspension of Hostilities continued 'till Tuesday 8 P.M.
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Tuesday, May 9.
At 8 P.M. the Enemy commenced firing. The night was employed in carrying on the direct Saps. &c.
Wednesday, 10 May.
Widen'd the Saps & repaired the Parallel. During the Night repaired the Embrazures & continued the Saps. across the Wet ditch & to the Abatis of the Advanced Work.
Thursday, 11 May.
Widened the Saps. At 3 P.M. the Enemy send out a Flag of Truce. A cessation of Hostilities during the Night. Repaired the Embrazures.
Friday, 12 May.
Marched into Town at 2 P.M. it having capitulated.
2 Compan: Grenade. 63rd & 7th Regiment took possession.
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Collection
Citation
Wilson, John, “Journal of the siege of Charleston, 1780.,” Charleston Library Society Digital Collections, accessed June 17, 2026, https://charlestonlibrarysociety.omeka.net/items/show/1486.