Battle of James Island (1865) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of James Island Skirmish at James Island
Part of the Campaign of the Carolinas
Date February 10, 1865 (1865-02-10) Location James Island, South Carolina Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Schimmelfennig	Major Edward Manigault
Strength
1,200	308 (161 engaged)
Casualties and losses
20 killed 76 wounded	20 killed 70 wounded

The Battle of James Island was a small but important fight near the end of the American Civil War. It was also called the Skirmish at James Island. People sometimes called it the "Last fight for Charleston". This battle happened on February 10, 1865, on James Island, South Carolina. It involved Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) soldiers.

Why James Island Was Important

For a long time, there hadn't been a big attack on Charleston, South Carolina. This was after the fall of Morris Island in 1863. But smaller fights often happened on nearby James Island and Johns Island. These islands were important because they were close to Charleston.

Union Plans for James Island

On February 10, 1865, Union troops decided to make one last push. These soldiers were from the Northern District of the Department of the South. Their leader was Brigadier General Alexander Schimmelfennig. They planned to attack James Island.

Confederate Defenses

A small group of Confederate soldiers was waiting on James Island. They were led by Major Edward Manigault. His group was called the South Carolina Siege Train. They had dug defensive positions called rifle pits. These pits were on the southern part of James Island, near Grimball's Causeway.

The Battle Begins

The fighting started early on the morning of February 10. Four Union gunboats began to fire their cannons. They aimed at the Confederate rifle pits. This was to soften up the defenses before the ground troops attacked.

Union Attack Strategy

After the shelling, General Schimmelfennig's troops began to land. The 144th New York Infantry led the main attack. They moved towards the middle of the Confederate line along the causeway. At the same time, the 54th New York Infantry charged. They attacked the right side of the Confederate line.

Confederate Response

Major Manigault saw the Union attack. He sent some soldiers from the 2nd South Carolina Artillery. They went to help defend the right side of their line. The main attack by the 144th New York started to slow down. But the Union attack on the flank (the side) was successful. The Confederate soldiers began to retreat.

Major Manigault's Fate

During the intense fighting, Major Manigault was badly hurt. He was captured by the Union forces. Official reports at the time said he died from his wounds. However, he actually survived. The Union forces then took control of the Confederate rifle pits.

What Happened After the Battle

The Battle of James Island didn't have a clear winner. Both sides eventually pulled back. Neither side gained a major advantage.

Charleston's Surrender

Soon after this battle, Union General William T. Sherman was moving his army through South Carolina. Because of this, the Confederate forces decided to leave Charleston. On February 18, General Schimmelfennig officially accepted the city's surrender. He took control of Charleston from its mayor.

Who Fought in the Battle

Here are some of the groups that fought in the Battle of James Island:

Union Forces

• 1st Separate Brigade: Led by Brigadier General Alexander Schimmelfennig
  • 54th New York Infantry: Colonel Eugene Kolzay
  • 144th New York Infantry: Colonel James Lewis
  • 32nd U.S. Colored Infantry: Colonel George W. Baird
  • 33rd U.S. Colored Infantry (1st South Carolina Infantry): Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • 55th Massachusetts Colored Infantry: Colonel Alfred S. Hartwell

Confederate Forces

• 2nd South Carolina Heavy Artillery: Led by Major Edward Manigault
• Palmetto Guard: Captain Benjamin C. Webb
• 1st South Carolina Cavalry: A group of dismounted soldiers led by Lieutenant William G. Roberts