hecked May 1913 OF THE STEAMER OCEANUS TO Fort Sumter and Charleston, S. C. Comprising the Incidents of the Excursion, the Appearance, at that time, of the of the Flag over the Ruins of FORT SUMTER, APRIL 14th, 1865. BY A COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE PASSENGERS OF THE OCEANUS. and Edward E... BROOKLYN ; THE UNION "STEAM PRINTING HOUSE, 10 FRONT STREET. 1865. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, BY J. CLEMENT FRENCH AND EDWARD CARY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of New York. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. THE preparation of this book, whatever may be its reception by those to whom it is dedicated, has been a labor of love. Unsought, and almost under protest, the work was undertaken, at the unanimous request of the passengers of the "Oceanus." It was an addition to stated professional duties, which the committee appointed were exceedingly reluctant to accept. But, once begun, it brought its reward continually, in the joy of living over again minutely, every scene which made the excursion to Charleston the most memorable as to object, enjoyment and inspiration, which our national history has ever made possible. The work effects no faultlessness. In the brief space during which it was composed, there was little opportunity for elaboration. It professes to be, not a treatise upon national affairs, nor yet a discussion of principles, but a current, unimaginative, and therefore we trust, a perfectly truthful narration of scenes and incidents, from the hour the "Oceanus" left the wharf, until she brought us there again. The writers describe not only what was seen and enjoyed by themselves, but by hundreds of others, who are asked to bear witness to the faithfulness of these records. The delay in issuing the memorial, has arisen from the necessary occupation of time in the mechanical execution. But if any have indulged impatience, we confidently believe that they will be amply repaid by the style of typography, illustration and general finish, in which the work is presented. The committee, to whom the preparation of the volume was entrusted, would gratefully acknowledge the kindly assistance, through communicated incidents, gleanings from the press, notices of relics, and manifestations of deep interest in the work, rendered by many of their fellow-voyagers. To Mr. E. Anthony, of the firm "E. & H. T. Anthony," No. 501 Broadway, New York, who had an artist in the field, and who kindly permitted his copy-righted views to be used for illustration, the committee of publication would tender their hearty thanks, in the name of the "Sumter Club." In conclusion, they would state that this book is not an avant-courier. Authorship was as far from their intention as desire. An edition, covering but few more copies than those actually subscribed for by the passengers of the "Oceanus," is all that will be issued. The public may therefore rest assured, that it will then be out of print, and in this case, the Scriptural assertion, "of making many books there is no end," will have a positive exception. If, in the perusal of these pages, those who visited the ruined city and the storied Fort, shall experience any satisfaction; if in coming years, it shall delight any one to remember the historic excursion, the better by these simple records; if any impulse shall be given to the sacred cause of loyalty to our common country, the whole desire of those who now commit them to the public view, will be abundantly answered. |