The Last Commander of Fort Sumter: Thomas Abram Huguenin

Thomas Huguenin was born into a wealthy South Carolina Lowcountry family. In the early 1890's, he penned this autobiography, not for publication, but for the benefit of his family. An 1859 graduate of the South Carolina Military Academy (now The Citadel), Huguenin, within two years, was actively engaged in the defense of Charleston Harbor. Serving in the forts around the harbor, he was involved in Union ironclad attacks and the defense of Morris Island., including a failed attempt to blow up Battery Wagner. In July 1864, he was placed in command of Fort Sumter which endured massive bombardments from Union naval vessels and artillery around Morris Island. Huguenin remained in command until February 1865, when the fort was abandoned, not surrendered. He recounts the final withdrawal into North Carolina, and his role in the Battles of Averysboro and Bentonville. It is a rich historical account by a young man who was deeply involved in the war and Reconstruction period.