Glory1989

General George Strong:
[addressing his officers] No one will ever take Charleston without first silencing the forts which protect its harbor. And the first one that must be taken is that: Fort Wagner. [points to Fort Wagner in the distance] Wagner mounts a 10-inch Columbiad, three smoothbore 32-pounders, a 42-pound carronade, a 10-inch coast mortar, and four 12-pound howitzers, plus a garrison of about a thousand men. As many of you gentlemen may be aware, over the last four days, our Navy has weakened Wagner with a constant barrage. Headquarters has determined a time for our attack. We will proceed with a direct frontal assault tomorrow at dusk. The problem, gentlemen, is the approach. The ocean and the marsh leave only a narrow strip of sand, a natural defile through which we can only send one regiment at a time. Now our best hope is that leading regiment can keep the Rebs occupied long enough for reinforcements to exploit the breach. Needless to say, casualties in the leading regiment may be extreme.

Colonel Robert G. Shaw:
General Strong. The 54th Massachusetts requests the honor of leading the attack on Fort Wagner.

General George Strong:
It's Colonel Shaw, isn't it?

Colonel Robert G. Shaw:
Yes, sir.

General George Strong:
You and your men haven't slept in two days.

Colonel Robert G. Shaw:
That's right sir.

General George Strong:
You think they have the strength to lead this charge?

Colonel Robert G. Shaw:
There's more to fighting than rest, sir. There's character. There's strength of heart. You should have seen us in action two days ago. We were a sight to see! We'll be ready, sir. When do you want us?