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I am currently illustrating a field report that has references to artifacts from Morris Island archaeology excavations in the early 1980’s.
In short, the notes refer to several test areas or ''pits'' in Federal overnight camps on the island.
The most fascinating part of this is that they include an unpublished addendum with details of “partial” interments found in what is believed to the burial trenches of the Colored Troops. Dozens of sets of remains were found in a row. All of them had been shovel incised through the sternum. The skeletal remains from that point up, including the craniums were removed.
At first this was thought to be the work of modern looters.
The field tech at the site just told me that he now believes these partial burials were the result of “low bid” contracts awarded just after the war to move all known US dead from thier original resting places to National Cemeteries.
These early contractors removed very little in order to make as much profit as possible. It seems payment was made to them per skull or mandible, so that was all that was targeted. A call has been placed to the National Archives for reference numbers for these contracts.
The skeletal remains found in the modern test excavations were removed by the State. These test pits were three meter squares, thirty meters apart. The technician believes that due to construction schedules and funding constraints, many remains were left behind in unexcavated areas (again).
The development continued, no doubt upon the bones of those unlucky enough not to be in a test spot.
Another field tech from this dig is trying to get permission for me to post discreet parts of the report here. She says it is a very sensitive topic in her office.
This kind of information is a great tool to use in defense of these sites.
In short, the notes refer to several test areas or ''pits'' in Federal overnight camps on the island.
The most fascinating part of this is that they include an unpublished addendum with details of “partial” interments found in what is believed to the burial trenches of the Colored Troops. Dozens of sets of remains were found in a row. All of them had been shovel incised through the sternum. The skeletal remains from that point up, including the craniums were removed.
At first this was thought to be the work of modern looters.
The field tech at the site just told me that he now believes these partial burials were the result of “low bid” contracts awarded just after the war to move all known US dead from thier original resting places to National Cemeteries.
These early contractors removed very little in order to make as much profit as possible. It seems payment was made to them per skull or mandible, so that was all that was targeted. A call has been placed to the National Archives for reference numbers for these contracts.
The skeletal remains found in the modern test excavations were removed by the State. These test pits were three meter squares, thirty meters apart. The technician believes that due to construction schedules and funding constraints, many remains were left behind in unexcavated areas (again).
The development continued, no doubt upon the bones of those unlucky enough not to be in a test spot.
Another field tech from this dig is trying to get permission for me to post discreet parts of the report here. She says it is a very sensitive topic in her office.
This kind of information is a great tool to use in defense of these sites.
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