Battle of Fort Sumter
	Prior to the outbreak of hostilities Anthony Riecke along with the Charleston Zouave Cadets was stationed on Sullivan's Island. The following is previously unpublished material from his book Recollections of A Confederate Soldier of the Struggle for the "Lost Cause".
Repulse of "Star of the West", Jan 9th, 1861 ... I saw a steamer coming up the channel that runs along Morris Island; when abreast of Fort Morris the report of a gun was heard and soon a ball ricocheted along the water just beyond her, she knew the meaning of this, "show your colors!" in more polite language, for she soon did so, hoisting the Stars and Stripes ... Soon Fort Moultrie joined in the chorus, when after six shots from Fort Morris, two of which were said to have struck her, and four more from Fort Moultrie, most of which fell short, the steamer lowered her flag and like a whipped spaniel made her way out again; thus failed the attempted succor for Maj. Anderson at Fort Sumter.
Guard Duty It was during our stay on Morris Island, while on guard at Cumming's Point that I have experienced more of a sensation of fear than at any other time while in service; the post there was over a mile from the company and fifty yards from the nearest sentinel, with the nights rainy and as dark as pitch, the monotonous splash of the billows upon the shore, the enemy within three quarters of a mile from us and a watch of four hours on a stretch, almost enough to bring a feeling of fear over a brave man, how much more so then over a novice as I was then, to whom every billow seemed a boat.
Battle of Fort Sumter At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 12th April, the report of a gun from Fort Johnson aroused the whole camp, we knew then that the battle had begun and the excitement among the men became great; orders were issued to the different companies for the men to remain in their respective camps, but still a large number went off to where they could get a better view of the conflict; I remained in camp until in the afternoon by impatience got the best of me and I went as far as the Moultrie Houseal others. Sumter was holding out defiantly, shot and shell were pouring into her from all sides whilst she returned the fire slowly and deliberately,no doubt to make the most of her scant supply, or in expectation of succor from the fleet outside. I returned to camp just in time to "fall in" to a roll call that had been ordered to note absentees.
During the night we "slept on our arms," that is: we had to lie down for the night in our uniform, with cartridge box and 40 rounds of ammunition around on our belt around our waist, and the rifle in our arms, the uncomfortableness of which it will not be hard to convince any one of; this precaution was taken in order to be ready at any moment should the enemy attempt to land. ... At 2 o'clock P.M. on the 13th April Fort Sumter struck her flag in token of surrender, and a glad shout arose on all sides and the Palmetto Flag had won its first laurels. Not a word of reproach was there for the brave soldier who, against such odds, had so nobly defended the honor of his flag, while the fleet, the duty of which should have been to aid or relieve him lay quietly at anchor outside; they could have hardly failed to see what was going on, and although sent for the purpose had brought no help to poor besieged Anderson for which they were denounced even by our men.
Secession Battle of Fort Sumter Washington Artillery Engagement with Frigate Pawnee Battle of North Carolina/Surrender Journey of the German Fusiliers