The Bombardment of Charleston, 1863-1865

"This eyewitness account describes the beginning of the Union army's artillery action against the heavily fortified Confederate city of Charleston. Using the latest weapons-including the eight-inch Swamp Angle, capable of hurling 150 - pound shells nearly five miles - Northern forces fired day and night, destroying military and civilian targets alike. By the time the city was evacuated in Febrary 1865, the bombardment had lasted for 545 days and set a new record for its duration. It became clear that the continued shelling served little military purpose, but was instead a Union attempt to terrorize the city's civilian population and 'make Charleston pay for her sins.' By quoting memoirs, military records, and vintage newspaper accounts, W. Chris Phelps recreates this little-known chapter in the Civil War."--