Fort Wagner being only a mile from our camp, I went there two or three times a week, and would go up on the ramparts to watch the gunners send their shells into Charleston. . . . Outside of the fort were many skulls lying about. . . . The comrades and I would have quite a debate as to which side the men fought on. . . . They were a gruesome sight, those fleshless heads and grinning jaws, but by this time I had become accustomed to worse things. . . .

It seems strange how our aversion to seeing suffering is overcome in time of war,—how we are able to see the most sickening sights, such as men with their limbs blown off and mangled by the deadly shells without a shudder; and instead of turning away, how we hurry to assist in alleviating their pain, bind up their wounds, and press cool water to their parched lips. . . .

Finally orders were received to prepare to take Fort Gregg. . . .

About four o’clock, July 2, the charge was made. The firing could be plainly heard in camp. . . . When the wounded arrived, or rather began to arrive, the first one brought was Samuel Anderson of our company. He was badly wounded. Then others of our boys, some with their legs off, arm gone, foot off, and wounds of all kinds imaginable. . . .

My work now began. I gave my assistance to alleviate their sufferings. I asked the doctor of the hospital what I could get for them to eat. . . . I had a few cans of condensed milk and some turtle eggs, so I thought I would try to make some custard. . . . This I carried to the men, who enjoyed it very much. My services were given at all times for the comfort of these men. . . . I was enrolled as company laundress, but I did very little of it, because . . . I was employed all the time doing something for the officers and comrades.

Source: Suzy King Taylor, Reminiscences of my Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers (Boston: By the Author, 1902).