CHAPTER LI

BEAUFORT.--CAMPAIGN PLANNED AGAINST CHARLESTON

General Stevens restores public library--It is confiscated by Treasury agents against his protest--The Gideonites come to elevate the freedmen--General Stevens moderates their zeal; wins their gratitude--Other visitors--Thorough course of drill and discipline--Twenty-five-mile picket line--Detachment of 8th Michigan defeat 13th Georgia regiment on Wilmington Island--Death of Mr. Caverly--Governor Stevens's views on military situation--General Stevens's force a menace to Charleston and Savannah Railroad--Six miles trestle bridges--General Robert E. Lee's defensive measures--General Stevens eager to cross swords with Lee--Plans movement to destroy railroad and hurl whole army on Charleston--Captain Elliott's scouting trips--General Sherman adopts plan--Commodore Dupont to coöperate--General Hunter supersedes General Sherman--Fort Pulaski taken--General Hunter proclaims negroes forever free, then impresses them as soldiers--General Stevens's views on the negro soldier--He is confirmed as brigadier-general 367