February 3, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We take, from the Savannah News of yesterday, the following additional details in regard to the bombardment of Fort McAlister, at Genesis Point:
The fort was but slightly injured. A portion of the parapet in front of the 10 inch Columbiad was destroyed; the gunners never flinched, but fought their gun with spirit, even when thus exposed to the enemy’s continued fire. A trunnion of one of the 32 pounders was destroyed by a shell, which disabled the gun. This was the only injury our guns received, which were fired with great precision, the shot and shell falling fast and thick upon the iron clad. The other gunboats were out of range, consequently the iron-clad received all the attention of the batteries. A large number of hands were immediately put to work to repair the damage done to the battery, and by night they were completed, and again in fighting order, well supplied with powder and shot.
The Federal fleet consisted of one iron-clad, one mortar boat, and three gunboats. The iron-clad came up within eight hundred yards of the fort, and anchored. During the action she was frequently struck by the shot from our batteries. Several balls passed through her smoke stack, and at one time two shot struck her turret at the same time, when she ceased firing and retired, evidently injured. The four other Federal boats did not come nearer that a mile and a half to two miles of the batteries. But they were within range, and threw shot and shell with great accuracy.
Several gentlemen who went to Coffee Bluff, where they had a good view of the battle, returned to the city in the afternoon. They state that they are confident that the iron-clad turret boat was seriously disabled by our fire, as she remained silent for a quarter of an hour before leaving her position, and did not return the fire of the battery, which was directed against her as she retired and joined the fleet below.
Major Gallie was killed during the first twenty minutes of the action. He was first struck in the face by a fragment of a shell, and but slightly injured. He retired and had his wound dressed, and had just returned when a shell struck the trunnion of a thirty-two pounder. A fragment of the shell or the trunnion plate, struck him on the head, causing instant death. The garrison all bear testimony to his gallantry and coolness, and think that he exposed himself too much. Before he was wounded he was continually on the ramparts, giving command, and urging his men to keep cool and fire deliberately.
Major Gallie was a Scotchman by birth, and has resided in this city some thirty-five years. He was about 55 years of age. For many years he has been connected with the military of our city, and for a long period was Captain of the Chatham Artillery. A true Southerner in principle and feeling, ever since the commencement of the war he has taken a very active part in military matters, and was chiefly instrumental in forming the Savannah Artillery Corps and the Siege Artillery. He leaves a wife and two daughters and the entire community to mourn his loss. A more honorable, upright and true man our city could not have lost.
After the death of Major Gallie, the command of the post devolved upon George W. Anderson, Jr., who was assisted by Col. Robert H. Anderson, commander of the reserve infantry corps. Both these gentlemen evinced great ability, and during the continuance of the bombardment fought the Fort well.