Here is a wonderful Charleston document… the actual Ordnance used in firing on Fort Sumter in April of 1861!  The form with “Ordnance Bureau, Charleston, S.C.” imprint is dated March 25th, 1861.  On the reverse it is certified by Confederate General Ripley that the Ordnance was “expended during the operations during Fort Sumter.”  He certifies this on December 12th, 1862 and signs it “R. S. Ripley B. Gen.”  

Ripley was in command of the various Mortar batteries around Charleston Harbor.  The form is entitled “Invoice of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, turned over by Ed. Manigault, Col. Ordnance State of South Carolina, To L. M. Hatch Q. M. G. So. Car. for transportation to Lt. Col. R. S. Ripley, Mortar Battery No. 2 Sullivan’s Island.”

Edward Manigault’s aid W. G. Eason has listed 29 different items – everything imaginable when it comes to artillery.  The form is marked “Duplicate” in the upper left-hand corner so this was probably the actual form retained by Ripley.  All the ink is nice and dark, including Ripley’s autograph.  It is in fine condition. 

What a wonderful piece for the Charleston/Fort Sumter collector or perhaps the collector of Ordnance related material!  Several years ago we sold a similar piece for $1,950.

#HC112 - Price $1,250