American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

McHENRY, Samuel L. (1831-1906). Manuscript order in secretarial hand signed ("S.L. McHenry") as Captain and Acting Adjutant-General. Addressed to Col. W. W. H. Davis, Commanding Brigade. "Headquarters U.S. Forces / N. End Folly Island S.C. / Aug 29th 1863." 1p, approx. 8 x 10 in. (creasing at folds, light soil). Docketed on verso.

By order of Brigadier General Israel Vogdes (1816-1889) Col. Davis is to move his "entire Brigade with Camp Equipage & c. to Morris Island without delay." Order issued in the aftermath of the July 18, 1863, Battle of Fort Wagner during which Union forces failed to capture the fort, but the bravery of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry significantly boosted morale and demonstrated the heroism and fighting capabilities of African American soldiers. Federal soldiers then resorted to land and sea siege operations. After 60 days of shelling and siege, the Confederates abandoned Fort Wagner on September 7, 1863, just over a week after this order was given.

HDS indicates that Samuel L. McHenry was a resident of Florence, PA, when he enlisted on 10/16/1861 as a 1st Sergt. On 10/16/1861, he mustered into "A" Co. Pennsylvania 85th Infantry. He was discharged for promotion on 6/18/1863. On 6/18/1863, he was commissioned into US Volunteers Adjutant Genl Dept. He was Mustered Out on 9/1/1866. Promotions: Sergt Major 1/1/1862, 1st Lieut 7/21/1862 (As of Co. K), Adjutant 9/1/1862, Capt 6/18/1863 (Capt & Asst Adjutant General), Major 3/13/1865 by Brevet. Intra-regimental company transfers 1/1/1862 from company A to Field & Staff, 7/21/1862 from Field & Staff to company K, 9/1/1862 from company K to Field & Staff.