Gov. Joseph E. Brown's Order to Seize Fort Pulaski

 

 

Even before Georgia's secession convention met, Gov. Joseph E. Brown had concluded that Georgia would secede and that some type of hostilities with the United States was inevitable. In such case, Brown felt control of Fort Pulaski -- which guarded the entrance to the Savannah River and Georgia's only real port -- was essential. At the time, the U.S. Army did not maintain Fort Pulaski as an active installation, with only an artillery sergeant and caretaker stationed at the island facility. Still, Brown was concerned, so he traveled by train to Savannah to see the fort and decide what action should be taken. It was there that he decided Georgia should act, so he wrote the following executive directive to Col. Alexander R. Lawton (who commanded the 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteers in Savannah)

 

 

 

Headquarters Georgia Militia

Savannah, January 2, 1861.

Colonel A.R. Lawton, Commanding 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Savannah.

SIR: In view of the fact that the Government at Washington has, as we are informed upon high authority, decided on the policy of coercing a seceding State back into the Union, and it is believed now has a movement on foot to reinforce Fort Sumter at Charleston, and to occupy with Federal troops the Southern forts, including Fort Pulaski in this State, which if done would give the Federal Government in any contest great advantage over the people in this State; to the end therefore that this stronghold, which commands also the entrance into Georgia, may not be occupied by any hostile force until the Convention of the State of Georgia, which is to meet on the 16th instant, has decided on the policy which Georgia will adopt in this emergency, you are ordered to take possession of Fort Pulaski as by public order herewith, and to hold it against all persons, to be abandoned only under orders from me or under compulsion by an overpowering hostile force.

Immediately upon occupying the fort, you will take measures to put it in a thorough state of defense, as far as its means and ours will permit; and for this purpose you will advise with Captain Claghorn, Chatham Artillery, who has been charged with all matters relating to ordnance and ordnance stores and their supply.

You will further arrange with Captain Claghorn a series of day and night signals for communicating with the city of Savannah, for the purpose of calling for reinforcements, and for other necessary purposes. And you will arrange with Mr. John Cunningham, Military purveyor for the time being, for the employment of one or more steamboats, or other means of transportation by land and by water that may be necessary, and for other supplies (except for ordnance stores, for which you will call upon Captain Claghorn) as may be required.

If circumstances should require it, the telegraph will be placed under surveillance.

I think from our conversation you fully understand my views, and relying upon your patriotism, energy and sound discretion in the execution of this important and delicate trust, I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Joseph E. Brown

Governor and Command-in-Chief

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