Old Fort Jackson

I had done my homework before the trip and identified Old Fort Jackson as a likely spot for some good pictures. Darin, probably remembering our previous trip to Fort Pulaski, also suggested a visit to Old Fort Jackson. We couldn't both be wrong now, could we?

Smaller than Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson occupied the single choke point for traffic up the Savannah River to the city. The site had been identified by 1777 and was the location of "The Mud Fort", manned by Captain Lee's artillery unit in the Revolutionary War to fend off the expected British sea-borne attack. Conditions were so unbearable that, when Captain Lee died of malaria, the position was abandoned, even before the British approach. Savannah was easily captured in 1778 and given up by the British shortly before the end of the war.

The masonry fort was authorized by President Thomas Jefferson and building began in 1808 under supervision of Army engineer, Captain William McRee. He was transferred in 1812 and the new fort was garrisoned by US troops and Georgia militia during the war of 1812. The fort was named for James Jackson, a former British subject, who rose to the rank of Colonel in the Continental Army and accepted the surrender of Savannah from the British near the close of the war. He later served as US Representative and Senator, as well as Governor of Georgia. Ongoing improvements were made between the War of 1812 and the Civil War. The fort defended Savannah from Union attack until being abandoned before the arrival of Gen Sherman in December 1864.

Darin and I explored the fort early, then waited for the scheduled artillery demonstration at mid-morning. We watched young Private Pearson or Pittman or something (sorry, I can't find my notes), CSA, go about his morning business. He was affable, asked where we we from and, when I told him Texas, he responded that General Lee was known to hold Texans in very high regard, having told his entourage, "Texans always move them," [the enemy].

He asked what work we did, and I told him we were both aerospace engineers. Pvt Pullman looked puzzled for a moment (really!) then said, "I heard tell about some fellas floatin' around in hot air baloons. That kind o' stuff?" He stayed in character all morning long. "Yeah, that kind o' stuff," as if I could say anything else.

Pvt Pendleton, still the only person who clearly belonged here, beat "Assembly" from the parapets. Eventually, he attracted, if only loosely assembled, his "troops" - nearly worthless civilians - and began his artillery instruction. He quizzed his charges regularly on the lesson, to make sure they were paying attention.

They descended to the courtyard at Pvt Paxton's command and he continued, the subject now was the field artillery shown, a 12 lb Howitzer or 12 lb Napoleon (I think).

After explaining its uses, Pvt Pinkney addressed ammunition (shot, shell, case, canister, and grapeshot), then hand-picked (drafted) a gun crew from his very inexperienced troops and the gun drill started in earnest.

A pretty sorry lot overall, but Darin (in the red ball cap) stood out as the "shooter" (his honor would be to pull the lanyard, firing the gun). Pvt Pinder kept tight control of his men, insisting that as the engagement progressed, casualties would require the remaining members of the crew to assume the duties of fallen comrades. . .

Just pay attention and follow orders. A typical gun crew could fire once every 30 seconds on average. After the first attempt with his new crew, Pvt Penderghast announced a time of 37 seconds, and averred his belief that they could do better. On their next attempt, the crew took 23 seconds and Pvt Peterson seemed to "choke up" as he allowed as how this was an exceptional improvement. The crew was allowed to be at liberty for the remainder of the day, and the troops were dismissed.

I wish I could remember this young fellow's name. He was excellent in every aspect of his behavior. I guess he should have been; when asked, he said he'd started as a 13 year old drummer boy in 1862. He's learned a lot in 151 years.