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Formation and Early History

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Lucas' Battalion, also known as the 15th South Carolina Heavy Artillery, was organized in Charleston, South Carolina, in November 1861. Initially formed as an infantry unit, it was soon converted to artillery. The battalion was commanded by Major J. Jonathan Lucas and initially consisted of three companies, which later increased to five.

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The men who enlisted witnessed the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in April 1861. On June 6, 1861, Lucas' Battalion was designated as infantry and mustered into service at Fort Pickens on James Island. By July, it was converted to heavy artillery, with two companies garrisoning forts around Charleston Harbor.

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Company C, organized on November 15, 1862, included many Marylanders, and comprised Childs Light Artillery, Winders Light Artillery, and Lee's Battery. Two additional companies, D and E, were later assigned. In June 1862, three artillery units—Gist Guard Artillery, Mathewes Artillery, and Melchers Battery—were attached to the battalion.

 

Service History and Battles

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Lucas' Battalion primarily served on James and Morris Islands surrounding Charleston, SC. Their duties included building earthworks and drilling both infantry and artillery. In early 1862, they were stationed near Cole's Island, guarding the river entrance. By mid-May, the guns were moved to Fort Pemberton on the Stono River.

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In January 1863, two companies from Lucas' Battalion participated in an ambush on Legare's Point, capturing the U.S.S. Isaac P. Smith. This iron vessel screw steamer was armed with eight 8-inch navy guns and a 7-inch thirty-pounder Parrott gun. The capture was a significant success for the Confederacy.

By April 1864, many Maryland soldiers were transferred to the Maryland Line in Virginia. In June 1864, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry advanced up James Island, encountering skirmishes with Confederate forces, including Lucas' Battalion.

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As General Sherman approached South Carolina in late winter 1865, many Charleston defenders, including Lucas' Battalion, joined General Johnston to resist Sherman's advance. They fought in the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, in March 1865, under Colonel Rhett’s Brigade in General Taliaferro’s Division, part of General Hardee’s Corps. They also participated in the Battle of Bentonville before marching toward Durham Station and surrendering at Greensboro in April 1865.

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Uniforms

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During the initial stages of the Civil War, Confederate units, including Lucas' Battalion, faced shortages of standard military uniforms. Many units went into battle in the civilian clothing they were wearing – or what have become known as “Battle Shirts” – special shirts made by the women of the town, to send the boys off in style. They were made in any fabric or pattern combination desired – solid color, plaid, cotton shirting, cotton flannel. Some artillery units adopted bib-front shirts as their battle shirts. Soldiers often wore civilian clothing, including homespun garments like woolen and cotton trousers, and various types of jackets and coats if they became available. By December 1861, the South Carolina frock coat began to be issued, and over time, more standardized uniforms became available as supply lines improved. Many wore slouch hats, kepis, or some sort of civilian hat or whatever was readily available to them at the time.

 

Flags

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The first regimental flag of Lucas' Battalion is unknown but may have been the 1st National Flag (Stars and Bars) or a South Carolina variation. The 1st National Flag featured three stripes (red, white, and red) and a blue canton with stars. In early 1862, the Mercury Flag was introduced, featuring a diagonal pattern with four triangles in blue and white. Artillery units, including Lucas' Battalion, may have also used guidons, which were horizontal bicolor flags in garnet and black with company letters and battalion abbreviations.

 

Lucas’ Battalion, 15th South Carolina Heavy Artillery - Notable Engagements

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• Capture of the U.S.S. Isaac P. Smith (January 10, 1863): The battalion played a crucial role in capturing this Union gunboat on the Stono River, boosting Confederate morale.

• Defense of Charleston Harbor (August-September 1863): Lucas' Battalion was heavily involved in defending this strategic location, enduring intense bombardments, and contributing to prolonged resistance against Union forces.

• Battle of Legareville (December 25, 1863)

• Carolinas Campaign (February-April 1865): As part of A. Rhett’s Brigade, the battalion fought in various engagements during this campaign, resisting Union General William T. Sherman’s advance.

  • Averasboro, North Carolina – March 16, 1865

  • Bentonville, North Carolina – March 19-21, 1865

 

 

 

 

References

Battle Unit Details - The Civil War (U.S. National Park Service)

South Carolina 15th (Lucas') Battalion, Heavy Artillery

Emmitsburg Area Historical Society, John A. Miller

James Country Mercantile

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