ADLEY H. GLADDEN REPORTS ON THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCREE

ADLEY H. GLADDEN REPORTS ON THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCREE
Superb content secretarially-signed contemporary manuscript copy of Gen. Adley H. Gladden’s report to Assistant Adjutant General Major G. G. Garner, 6pp. legal folio, 'Head Quarters 1st Brigade Army of Pensacola', Nov. 30, 1861, a report on the bombardment of Fort McRee on the channel outside the entrance to Pensacola Harbor. In part: “I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the first Brigade of this Army: in the engagement with the enemy on the 22nd and 23rd…Without any previous warning the enemy opened a rapid fire…The main effort of the enemy seemed to be directed at the destruction of Fort McRee…The heavy cross firing from the Fort and shipping set McRee on fire three times partly crushed by the magazine, and disabled three casements of guns…Batteries were subjected to a sever cross fire from the Hartford and Fort Pickens...The flag cut down and raised again upon its standard...No loss of life occurred until about three o’clock...' Much more very detailed content describing the bombardment, soldiers pressed into service manning the guns, etc. At conclusion, additionally signed by JONATHAN M. WITHERS (1826-1892), Assistant Adjutant General of the Confederacy, who officially received the report. In very good to fine condition. As a result of Gladden’s able support during the bombardment of the Confederate forts, he was promoted to commander of the Army of Pensacola. He was soon transferred to the Army of Mississippi and was mortally wounded on the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.