Gus was eighteen years old when he attended the signing of the "Ordnance of Secession" (from the balcony) in 1860.  He joined the Washington Light Infantry (Co. B - 25th South Carolina Volunteers). Gus was a veteran of the bitter fighting at Secessionville on James Island in 1862. He was transferred to the Signal Corps in Charleston, SC while his family evacuated during the shelling. His post in the steeple of St. Michael's Church gave him a unique birds-eye view of the siege.

Like soldiers in every war, Gus faithfully maintained an active correspondence with the two important women in his life, his mother and his fiancée Miss Lou. His lively and accurate letters are used by Jack Thomson to guide you through the adventure, tragedy, and humor of Confederate Charleston and its dogged defense.

For those who like a happy ending, Gus survived the war, married Miss Lou and lived a long and full life as a distinguished Charleston attorney and successful upstate cotton mill entrepreneur. This 1910 photo shows him with Miss Lou and two grandchildren. His descendents still live in the Lowcountry and have carefully preserved the letters and photos.