Gate of Hell; Campaign for Charleston Harbor, 1863

xii, [2], 312, [2] pages. Illustrations. Tables. Maps. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Stephen R. Wise is the director of the museum and the Cultural Resource Manager for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Wise received his bachelor degree from Wittenberg University; a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina. The Charleston campaign of 1863 is currently best known for the role in it of the 54th Massachusetts in vindicating the effectiveness of African American soldiers, as was delineated in the movie Glory. There was, however, much hard fighting before the 54th's assault on Battery Wagner, and there was even more afterward, with heavy losses on both sides and eventual Union failure, due as much to Union interservice rivalries as to Confederate tenacity. Among other features of the siege were the largest naval operations of the war, technologically advanced use of artillery, and trench warfare anticipating World War I. It is a compelling story that Wise handles with high competence, clarity, and scholarly thoroughness [from a review by Roland Green posted on-line]. Inscribed by Mike Shaw to Jim Shaw, referencing the latter's Shaw's research into the life of Robert Gould Shaw. Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837 - July 18, 1863) was an American soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born into a prominent abolitionist family, he accepted command of the first all-black regiment (54th Massachusetts) in the Northeast and encouraged the men to refuse their pay until it was equal to the white troops' wage. At the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, a beachhead near Charleston, South Carolina, Shaw was killed while leading his men to the parapet of the Confederate held fort. Although they were overwhelmed and driven back, Shaw's leadership passed into legend with a unit that inspired tens of thousands more African-Americans to enlist for the Union and contribute to its ultimate victory.