Diary by S.C. Lowry of Company F, 17th Regiment, S.C.V. commenced on Sullivan’s Island, this 22nd day of January, 1864
Jan. 22 - This is my first day in camp since the Second Battle of Manassas. Am gladly welcomed by my old comrades in arms. A warm and pleasant day. Spend my time reviewing the island and our fortifications. With an occasional stroll along the seaside for shells.
Jan. 23rd - Another pleasant day. Nothing of interest occurred.
Jan. 24th - Sunday. We walked down the island and go with Fort Moultrie1 to review her defenses. Find them remarkable sting, 15 inch guns pointing from every embrasure, ready to belch forth destruction to the hireling foe. Get a splendid view of Fort Sumter2 and the Yankee works on Morris Island3. Sumter is awfully battered. One side is a pile of ruins, yet her glorious flag floats in haughty defiance over her now hallowed ground. May she ever be as she is now triumphant. The Yankees throw an occasional shell over to our Island but generally keep up a continual bombardment of Charleston. Return along the beach to camp.
Jan. 25th - A lively and rather cruel sea breeze has sprung up. Drilled twice today.
Jan. 26th - Similar to yesterday. Had several nice games of ball etc.
Jan. 27th - On guard today. Posted at the camp. A very pleasant day and my guard duty comparatively light. A stray bomb goes whizzing into the city every now and then.
1 Fort Moultrie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Moultrie
2 Fort Sumter - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Sumter
3 Morris Island - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Island
