April 10, 1862 (Wednesday): Fort Pulaski Attacked

Interior of Fort Pulaski, showing bomb proofs.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Tybee Island, Ga., April 10, 1862. 

To the COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Pulaski:
   SIR: I hereby demand of you the immediate surrender and restoration of Fort Pulaski to the authority and possession of the United States. This demand is made with a view to avoiding, if possible, the effusion of blood which must result from the bombardment and attack now in readiness to be opened.
   The number, caliber and completeness of the batteries surrounding you leave no doubt as to what must result in case of your refusal; and as the defense, however obstinate, must eventually succumb to the assailing force at my disposal, it is hoped you may see fit to avert the useless waste of life.
    This communication will be carried to you under a flag of truce by Lieutenant J. H. Wilson, U. S. Army, who is authorized to wait any period not exceeding thirty minutes from delivery for your answer.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,



    DAVID HUNTER,
    Major-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 6, Part 1, Page 135.

In February the Union completed the investment of Fort Pulaski, placing it within range of 32 artillery pieces.  Before commencing the bombardment of the Fort, Hunter demanded its surrender, which was declined.  At the end of the first day the fort did not appear to observers to be in imminent danger, but actually the damage was much worse than it appeared from the outside.