The following letter was penned by William Henry Burns of J. H. Walter’s Company, South Carolina Light Artillery (Washington Artillery). William entered the service early in the war as a private and was later promoted to corporal. He was transferred in March 1864 to Co. C, 17th South Carolina Infantry.

At the time William wrote this letter in July 1863, his battery was in Fort Sumter, besieged by Union batteries less than a mile away. They fired over seven million pounds of metal at the fort during a 587-day bombardment, reducing its brick walls to rubble. Despite this, the fort became stronger as the rubble formed a massive earthwork. The Union’s attempt to land troops on the island fort was repulsed.

The letter served effectually as his last will and testament as he feared he would be killed in the impending bombardment.

Transcription

Fort Sumter
July 19th 1863

W. P. Price Esq.,

I snatch a leisure moment under a flag of truce now pending to communicate a request as I am now in a garrison that is likely to be closely besieged & as I am satisfied it will be defended to the last, it is not improper for me to make some arrangements for the disposition of my worldly effects.

1st—It is my desire you administer upon my effects to assume the guardianship of my little Boy.

2nd—Out of the amount of my legacy from Miss N. Brooks estate, I desire you to purchase a small place in Newberry village for Mrs. Burns, the title to remain in your hands for the benefit of my son at his mother’s death, or when he becomes of age. In no case is the place to be disposed of unless in your judgment, my son’s interest is to be advanced by it.

3rd—I desire you to be governed by your own good judgment in the further disposition & investment of any means you may find me possessed of for the interest of my wife & son.

In the event you are not full willing to act as above requested, I trust you will at least see that their interest does not suffer for the want of a friend in the settlement of Miss N. Brooks Estate. By complying with the above, you will greatly oblige your ever true friend, — W. H. Burns