I couldn’t travel to the low country without visiting Darien and St. Simon Island, Georgia. Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts had barely arrived in Beaufort before they set out for St. Simons Island and found themselves involved in the burning of the small river town.
You had mentioned you had read about rice cultivation, and I thought of Stewart's book. I came to understand about the use of both salt water and fresh water in its production. If memory serves, look at around page 99 in the book.
I went to graduate school with Clarence Mohr, and he was always (to his credit) working on his dissertation. Unlike many of us at University of Georgia, he was able to secure a college teaching position. Others, like myself, went the route of private schools, while some became librarians or administrators in adult education.
By the way, I wrote my dissertation on E.M. Coulter who, among his many other publications, wrote an article in 1959 in CIVIL WAR HISTORY on the Burning of Darien. Not surprisingly, he evokes a strong pro-Southern viewpoint.
The historian I mentioned to you without providing his name was Buddy (not Benny) Sullivan. To be honest, he plays to a particular crowd.
I might have some material that I could scan for you if you would like. I recall an article in the KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY (1970s I think) that is a strong defense of Montgomery. I will see if I can find it. Keeping in mind that I am roadkill on the technological highway of life, should I use the Substack email above to send you any further information about Darien that I uncover? If you wish, provide me with a snail mail address and I can perhaps copy some information for you if you would like.
We lived in Darien from 2013 until 2018, and then returned to Chattanooga where we had lived from 1987-2013.
Again, I loved the posting. I wish you had had a chance to visit the Burning of Darien Museum, and the picture of the food had to have been at Skipper's. Next time, get the shrimp at B and J's. It is the best in the world (seriously).
I am looking forward to digging into Stewart's book. It looks really interesting.
I have the Coulter essay on Darien. It's somewhat helpful for the reason you cite.
Thanks for the correction re: Sullivan. He apparently saved every piece of paper. Every community needs someone like him.
I would appreciate any additional information about Darien that you think will be of use. My hope is to go beyond the standard narrative about Shaw's involvement and the place of the burning within the broader context of the war.
The Building that you feature is the Adam Strain Building, which is considered the second oldest commercial building in Georgia (after Savannah). It was rumored (not yet verified ) that some cannon fire bounced off the Strain Building--again, it might just be local legend. The inside of the building was heavily damaged, but the tabby held.
While serving as a docent at the Burning of Darien Museum, I would point out some of the positives about James Montgomery. He adopted unconventional means to achieve emancipation and Union victory, and his raid up the Combahee River in South Carolina had freed 750 slaves and destroyed $1,000,000 in property, without the loss of a single man. Not one rebel civilian was harmed when Montgomery burned Darien.
Many whites had evacuated Darien, and taken their enslaved property with them to Baldwin County.
Take a look at Clarence Mohr's ON THE THRESHOLD OF FREEDOM: MASTER AND SLAVES IN CIVIL WAR GEORGIA (1986)--especially chapter three where there is a discussion of the Sapelo River Expedition (1862) and the attack by William Brailsford against African-Americans and their response.
You are probably familiar with Mart Stewart's WHAT NATURE SUFFERS TO GROE [sic] (2002-paperback edition).
Lastly, there is a popular local historian who regularly refers to some slaveowners as "kind and benevolent." Email me if you would like more information.
Thank you very much for the additional information. The context you reference is absolutely crucial and I am going to make sure to acknowledge it. I have Mohr's book and will take a look at the chapters you noted.
I am curious. Why did you cite Stewart's book. I wasn't familiar with it until I purchased it yesterday. I am glad I did. Is it in reference to the Sapel River Expedition?
While researching at the Georgia Historical Society I went through a number of files in the Benny Sullivan Collection. It was quite helpful. Thanks again.
Timing is everything, and in this case mine stinks. We visited Darien once, while staying with my in-laws, but I did not know any of this history at the time. Well, we might go back, and now I know enough to visit intelligently. Thanks, Kevin.
You had mentioned you had read about rice cultivation, and I thought of Stewart's book. I came to understand about the use of both salt water and fresh water in its production. If memory serves, look at around page 99 in the book.
I went to graduate school with Clarence Mohr, and he was always (to his credit) working on his dissertation. Unlike many of us at University of Georgia, he was able to secure a college teaching position. Others, like myself, went the route of private schools, while some became librarians or administrators in adult education.
By the way, I wrote my dissertation on E.M. Coulter who, among his many other publications, wrote an article in 1959 in CIVIL WAR HISTORY on the Burning of Darien. Not surprisingly, he evokes a strong pro-Southern viewpoint.
The historian I mentioned to you without providing his name was Buddy (not Benny) Sullivan. To be honest, he plays to a particular crowd.
I might have some material that I could scan for you if you would like. I recall an article in the KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY (1970s I think) that is a strong defense of Montgomery. I will see if I can find it. Keeping in mind that I am roadkill on the technological highway of life, should I use the Substack email above to send you any further information about Darien that I uncover? If you wish, provide me with a snail mail address and I can perhaps copy some information for you if you would like.
We lived in Darien from 2013 until 2018, and then returned to Chattanooga where we had lived from 1987-2013.
Again, I loved the posting. I wish you had had a chance to visit the Burning of Darien Museum, and the picture of the food had to have been at Skipper's. Next time, get the shrimp at B and J's. It is the best in the world (seriously).
Take care,
Michael Woodward (Woody)
I am looking forward to digging into Stewart's book. It looks really interesting.
I have the Coulter essay on Darien. It's somewhat helpful for the reason you cite.
Thanks for the correction re: Sullivan. He apparently saved every piece of paper. Every community needs someone like him.
I would appreciate any additional information about Darien that you think will be of use. My hope is to go beyond the standard narrative about Shaw's involvement and the place of the burning within the broader context of the war.
My email Is: kevinmlevin95@gmail.com
Thank you.
The Building that you feature is the Adam Strain Building, which is considered the second oldest commercial building in Georgia (after Savannah). It was rumored (not yet verified ) that some cannon fire bounced off the Strain Building--again, it might just be local legend. The inside of the building was heavily damaged, but the tabby held.
While serving as a docent at the Burning of Darien Museum, I would point out some of the positives about James Montgomery. He adopted unconventional means to achieve emancipation and Union victory, and his raid up the Combahee River in South Carolina had freed 750 slaves and destroyed $1,000,000 in property, without the loss of a single man. Not one rebel civilian was harmed when Montgomery burned Darien.
Many whites had evacuated Darien, and taken their enslaved property with them to Baldwin County.
Take a look at Clarence Mohr's ON THE THRESHOLD OF FREEDOM: MASTER AND SLAVES IN CIVIL WAR GEORGIA (1986)--especially chapter three where there is a discussion of the Sapelo River Expedition (1862) and the attack by William Brailsford against African-Americans and their response.
You are probably familiar with Mart Stewart's WHAT NATURE SUFFERS TO GROE [sic] (2002-paperback edition).
Lastly, there is a popular local historian who regularly refers to some slaveowners as "kind and benevolent." Email me if you would like more information.
I love this posting and the pictures.
Hi Michael,
Thank you very much for the additional information. The context you reference is absolutely crucial and I am going to make sure to acknowledge it. I have Mohr's book and will take a look at the chapters you noted.
I am curious. Why did you cite Stewart's book. I wasn't familiar with it until I purchased it yesterday. I am glad I did. Is it in reference to the Sapel River Expedition?
While researching at the Georgia Historical Society I went through a number of files in the Benny Sullivan Collection. It was quite helpful. Thanks again.
This has been awesome. Can’t you stay longer and continue exploring on our behalf? 😬
You are going to have to talk to my wife. LOL
Thanks, Joe.
Ha! Not sure I’m ready for that. I have a wife too and know the perils! Safe travels.
Smart man. Thanks.
Timing is everything, and in this case mine stinks. We visited Darien once, while staying with my in-laws, but I did not know any of this history at the time. Well, we might go back, and now I know enough to visit intelligently. Thanks, Kevin.
Sounds like a pretty good reason to me. :-)