Alan J. Pitts
Spanish-American war possible....
Sat May 26 12:04:50 2001


The bay forts were garrisoned by coastal artillery units during the Spanish-American war. Artillery from that period were mounted at Fort Morgan and possibly Fort Gaines; I've seen them many time at Fort Morgan. I'm not familiar with units on duty at that time, but I'm sure someone knows their story.

I make this suggestion because the title "coastal artillery" has a distinctly 20th-century ring to it. It doesn't sound at all like a name attached to a Confederate military unit. There were a couple of companies we might regard as "home guards" from Baldwin County that called themselves "Coast Guards" (Nos. 1 & 2), but these were not artillery. There was a twelve-month infantry company from Mobile posted on the eastern side of the bay called "Rabby's Coast Guard".

Apart from the garrisons of various fortifications around Mobile Bay, units posted along the gulf coast were expected to keep an eye out for Union ships, in particular to watch for any attempt to send parties ashore in search of fresh water and provisions. The coast guards were also expected to assist blockade runners that might run aground just off shore. They often provided great service by warding off Union boarding parties, unloading as much of the cargo as possible, and helping passengers and crew reach dry land.

The exact name and any other details, such as where the vateran lived in 1860, would be most useful. Otherwise it's a bit like looking up everyone named Cherry in the Atlanta telephone directory and calling each one to determine which ones are your relatives. Come to think of it, that would be easier because you start with a finite list of names and we're certain about our search target! happen.