TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 14 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1885 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OP THE OFFICIAL IRECOI~DS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY Lient Ool ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery, AND PuBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880. SERIES IVOLUME XIV. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING- OFFICE. 1885 Page R002 ( -~ C V / - Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the SecretarS :of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confed- erate Armies, and directed him to have oopied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, und general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of ten thousand copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year~~ and that of said num- ber, seven thousand copies shall be for the use of the House of Repre- sentatives, two thousand copies for the use of the Senate, and one thousand copies for the use of the Executive jDepartments.~~* This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Volumes IV distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Depavtments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organizations, and individuals a& may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty- seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the~ volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the pub.. lication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand te be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication, with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. (hI Page R004 PREFACE. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The First Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern $tates, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspond- ence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be imme- diately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union aud next Confederate) in chronological order. The Second Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The Third Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the snbjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Sectetary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State authorities. The Fourth Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between t~e Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, ]Ifc~jor Third Art., and Bvt. Licut. Got. WAR DEPARTMENT, Ai~igust 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, & cretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida 1lo~ (v Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL BFCOBDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME XIV. (To he inserted irk the voltime. IFor explanation. see 0-erieral Index volume, Serial ~o. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTI4, CHIEF OF TIlE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR 1)EPAETMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. Page i. Insert April 29, 1862, after April 19, 1862, and before Brzg~. Gen. Rufus Sax/on. Page 39. Page 321. Page 324. Page 377. Page 462. Page 483. Page 546. Page 635. Page 669. Beavers report, address, for W. W. Brown read N. W. Brown. Tenth line, top, for a Freeborn cul read or Freebdrns GuI. Erase foot-note and insert See Plale 33, Maps, of/he A/las. Twenty-seventh line, bottom, for 5,000 read 5o,ooo. Eighth line, top, second column, for Ballalions read Ba//eries. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 53, p. 236. For j N. C. Hun/er readj. .31. G. Hun/er, and erase *; also erase foot- note. Special Orders, No. 237, change Paragraph XII to XVII. Jordan to Fannin et al., address, for Gay, Allen, read Allen Gay; first line, insert * after ul/imo and add foot-note, * See Series I, Vol. 52, ParI 2,p. 373. Fifteenth and twenty-fourth lines, top, for Akens and Aken read Akins and Akin. Twentieth line, bottom, for Forly-sevenlk read For/y-six/h. Trapier to Beauregard, last line, insert wrea/h after green. Beauregard to Seddon, second communication, first line, for Gaimul read Gadmus. Page 946. Seventeenth line, top, for Shulzs read Schulzs. Page 963. Keitts telegram should be addressed to General Rz/ley, text beginning Arri veil here, etc. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in ilalics and strike out all in [hrackets]. Au asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and correctioiis to the text should he consulted. Page 744. Page 862. Page 85o. Page 900. [Allen, Mr. (For correspondence, etc., see (;eor- gia, citizens of.)] Anderson, Edward c., jr., 556 [Anderson, Major, 556]. Baker, T. Ilarrison [captain]. Beauregard, G. T. correspondence with De LIsle [Dc lisle], ch. G. [Keitt, Lawrence M., 963.] * ]lell, B. B., 301 [nell, Scout, 30J]. Black, John L. correspondeisce with Lucas, j Jona/han [Jonathan J.]. Boa/elk, charles 0., 986; Boutelle, charles A., [986]. Boykin, Ed. M. [captain]. Boy/s/on [Boyleston], S. cordes. Brown, Nathaniel W., ~o [Brown, w. w., 40]. Buckhalter, J. H [Mr.]. Burnett,Julien M. [Julian]. Cadmus, British Steamer, 900 [calmut, Steamer, 900].* Camphell, Charles H. [ ]. cash, Elkrbee B. C. [Colonel]. Chesnu/ [Chestnut], James. Clay, H. L. [C.]. Clifton, A .1 [Captain]. Crandall, William H. [Crandel, Captain]. Dc La Croix, Jules [Mr.]. De LIsle [De Lisle], Ch. C. Erwin, John M. F. Florida Troops. Artillerynattalions: Milton (Batteries), A (I)uiihans), 740 [704]. InfantryCompanies: Co/il, Guards, 86o. Gay, Allen [Mr.]. Georgia Troops. cavairyRegimetits: [2d State Guards, 930.] InfantryCompanies: [Cohh Guards, 860.] InfantryRegiments: sd .S/a/e (5/orey), 9/0. Gladden, George 0. [Mr.]. Gouraud [Gourand], George E. Gray, Sylvester H. [F.]. Hallett, William A. [Captain]. Haydn [Hayden], Thomas L. Henerey [Henery],W. S. Heyward, James S. [B.]. Hutchings, William V. [H. W.]. Hutchinson, John L [J.]. Jeffers, W. H. [(Lieutenant)], 26 [Jeffers, W. H. (Corporal), 26]. Kearny [Rearney], Edmund. Page A003 NDDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Keitt, Lawrence M. Correspondence with [Beauregard, C. F., 963.] * Ripley, Roswell S., 963A La Coste, Adoiphus W Latta, J. M. [Judge] Law, Richard L. [Captain]. Lucas. J.Jonathan [Jonathan J.]. MeGlenaghan, Cunningham [MeCi e naha ii, John C.]. MacDonald [McDonald], Christopher R. Meruminger, (~hristopher [Charles] C. Meredith, James S. [Surgeon]. Middleton, J. Motte. Milieu [Miller], M. B. Morris, C. M. [W.]. Niernsee,John B. [Mr.]. Parker, Francis S. [[b.]]. Plumb, Daniel B. [Mr.]. Ripley, Roswell S. Correspondence with Keitt, Lawrence M., 963.* Skinner, Benjamin F. [H.]. Smith, I,. Jaquelin. Mentioned, 6oi [Smith, S. J., 604]. Smith, P. Press, jr., s7~ Smith, R. Press, [273]. South Carolina Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: [2d, 591, 624.] 8th, ~ 624. CavalryCompanies: Boykins (State), 287. South Carolina Troops (C. )Continued. InfantryCompanies: [Boykins (State), 287.] InfantryRegiments: 1st Reserves, 720. ioth Militia, 785. ioth Reserves, [785]. 14th Militia [Reserves]. i~th Militia [Reserves]. 39th Militia [Reserves]. [Browns Reserves, 720.] Starkweather,J. B. [Mr.]. Stewart, James F. [1k.]. Stow, Captain. Correspondence with M. B. Millen [Millerj. Van Brunt, George B. Virginia, U S. S., sos. Virginia Troops. InfantryRegiments: 6oth, 505. Walker, David S. [Judge]. War Department, U. S. Correspondence with Gouraud [Gourand], George E. Washington, George L., 903 [Worthington, George 5., 903]. Wilkins, F. G. [Captain]. Wilkinson, Willis [W. H.]. Young, W C. [Lieutenant]. Page A004 Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER L Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1.417 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 326, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 420, 1861 328330 CHAPTER IV. Operations inFlorida. January 8-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu. ary 9May 20,1861 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19,1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1881 502836 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Tent. tory, and Missouri. February 7-MayO, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER iX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West VirginIa. April 16-July 31, 1861. 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X~ Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19, 1861. 1749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIIL Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South. Arizona. June11, 1861February 1,1862. 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861-Janu. CHAPTER xii. ary 11, 1862 666-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 . . .. 175565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861March 17,1862. 1110. VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21, 1861April 11, 1862..... Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al. abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou. 1435 isiana. September 1,1861May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations In Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19,1861Mar. 4,1862. 1946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOIAIMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations In Missouri, Arkcnsas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861April 10, 1862. 1834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11March 17, 1862 171 Arizona. February 1September 20, 1862 481736 CHAPTER XX. Operations in North Carolina. January UAugust 20, 1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII Operations In Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part 1Reports 1927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginin. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 11Q73 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1818 Part lIReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10November 20, 1862 198 Page 1 2 COASTS 011 S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. June 15,1862.Naval descent upon Saint Marks, Fla. 16, 1862.Engagement at Secessionville, James Island, S. C. 21, 1862.Engagement at Simmons Bluff, S~ C. 28July 7, 1862.Evacuation of James Island, S. C. 30July 1, 1862.Bombardment of Tampa, Fla. July 4, k62.Affair at Port Royal Ferry, S. C. 9, 1862.Expedition to Fenwicks Island, S. C. 910, 1862.Demonstrations against Pocotaligo, S. C. Aug. 8, 1862.West Florida detached from the Department of the south and annexed to the Department of the Gulf. 10, 1862.Capture of the Confederate steamer General Lee in the Savannah River, Ga. 13, 1862.Engagement on Black River, S. C. 21, 1862 Affair on Pinckney Island, S. C. Sept. 1, 1862.Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of the South. 3, 1862.The Tenth Army Corps constituted nuder command of Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army. 5, 1862.Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. Army, temporarily in command of the Department of the South. 10, 1862.Skirmish on the Kilkenny River, S. C. 11, 1862.Engagement at Saint Johns Bluff, Fla. 17, 1862.Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the South. Enga~,ement at Saint Johns Bluff, Fla. 24, 1862.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton in command of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia. Affair on Skull Creek, S. C. 30Oct. 3, 1862.Reconnaissances on May and Savannah Rivers, Ga. 30Oct. 13, 1862.Expedition from Hilton Head, S. C., to Saint Johns Bluff; Fla. Oct. 6, 1862.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, assigned to the command of East Florida, and Brig. Gen. John H. Forney, C. S. Army, assigned to the command of West Florida. 7, 1862.Middle and East Florida embraced in General Beauregards com- mand. 18, 1862.Affair at Kirks Bluff; S. C. 2223, 1862.Skirmish at Coosawhatchie, S. C., and engagements at the Cas- ton and Frampton Plantations, near Pocotaligo, S. C. 24, 1862.Affair on Saint Helena Island, S. C. 27, 1862.Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. Army, assumes temporary com- mand of the Department of the South, vice Mitchel, deceased. Nov. 310, 1862.Expedition along the coasts of Georgia and East Florida; 4, 1862.General Beauregards command extended to the Choctawhatchee. 7, 1862.Skirmish at Spauldings, on Sapello River, Ga. 1318, 1862.Expedition from Beaufort to Doboy River, Ga. 18, 1862.Skirmish on Doboy River, Ga. Jan. 20, 1863.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Department of the South. 23Feb. 1, 1863.Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., up the Saint Marys River, in Georgia and Florida. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Township, Fin. 27, 1863.Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Genesis Point, Ga. 29, 1863.Expedition to Daufuskie Island, S. C Page 2 ChAPTER XXVI. OPERATIONS ON THE COASTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863. SU1MAZRY 01Ff TIETE PRLNCIPAL EVENTS.* April 13, 1862.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, orders emancipation of slaves at Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Ga. 14, 1862.Reconnaissance on Seabrook Island, S. C. 16,1862.Skirmish on Whitemarsh Island, Ga. 18,1862.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Midele and East Florida. 19, 1862.Skirmish on Edisto Island, S. C. Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, assigned to special duty in the Department of the South.t 29, 1862.Engagements at Pineberry Battery, Wilistown, and White Point, S.C. May 9, 1862.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, orders the emancipation of slaves in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and authorizes the arming of all able-bodied negroes in those States. 13, 1862.Abduction of the steamer Planter from Charleston, S. C. 20,1862.Bombardment of Coles Island, S. C. Affair on Crooked River, Fla. 21,1862.Affair near Battery Island, S. C. 22, 1862.Expedition to Johns Island, S. C. 25, 1862.Affair between James and Dixons Islands, S. C. 29,1862.Skirmish at Pocotaligo, S. C. June 3, 1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. 6, 1862.Affair at Port Royal Ferry, S. C. 7, 1862.Skirmish on Johns Island, S. C. 8,1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. 8 9, 1862.Affairs on Johns Island, S. C. 10,1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. 12, 1862.Reconnaissance on Hutchinsons Island, S. C. 13, 1862.Affair at White House, near Hilton Head, S. C. 1 R RYOL XIV * Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. t For instructions to Saxton in reference to abandoned plantations, etc., and result- ing correspondence, see Series III, Vol. II Page 3 CHAP. XXVI.] SEABROOK ISLAND, S. C. 3 Jan. 30, l863.Capture of U. S. steamer Isaac Smith in Stono River, S. C. 31, 1863.Attack on blockading squadron off Charleston, S. C. Affair on Bull Island, S. C. Feb. 1, 1863.Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Genesis Point, Ga. 18, 1863.The South Carolina Militia called into service. 28, 1863.Destruction of the Confederate steamer Nashville. Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Ga. Mar. 3, 1863.Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Ga. 9, 1863.Skirmish near Saint Augustine, Fla. Affair at Fort McAllister, Ga. 10, 1863.Union forces reoccupy Jacksonville, Fla. 20, 1863.Affair in Saint Andrews Bay, Fla. 22, l863.Destruction of the steamer Georgiana, off Charleston, S. C. 2331, l863.Operations near Jacksonville, Fla. 24, 1863.Affair in Ocklockonnee Bay, Fla. 25, 1863.Skirmish at Jacksonville, Fla. 27, 1863.Skirmish at Palatka, Fla. 29, 1863.Skirmish at Jacksonville, Fla. 31, l863.Jacksonville, Fla., evacuated by the Union forces. April 7, l863.Engagement in Charleston Harbor, S. C. 9, 1863.Destruction of steamer George Washington, near Beanfort, S. C. 10, 1863.Skirmish on Folly Island, S. C. 12, l863.Destruction of the steamer Stonewall Jackson. 27, 1863.Affair at Murrays Inlet, S. C. May 4, 1863Affair at Murrays Inlet, S. C. 1821, 1863.Torpedo operations in Skull Creek and skirmish on Popes Island. 31, 1863.Affair on James Island, S. C. June 2~ 1863.Union raid on the Combahee River, S. C. 3, 1863.Brig. Gen. Quincy A. Gilimore, U. S. Army, assigned temporarily to command of the Department of the South. 4, 1863.Expedition from Fort Pulaski, Ga., to Bluffton, S. C. 8, 1863.Affair near Brunswick, Ga. 11, 1863.Attack on Darien, Ga. 1113, l863.Operations on Little Folly Island, S. C. APRIL 14, l862.Reconnaissance on Seabrook Island, S. C. Report of Gol. linoch Q. Fellows, Third New Hampshire Infantry. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Edisto Island, S. 0., April 15, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following for the iu~ formation of the commanding general: A reconnaissance on Seabrook Island was made yesterday nader the cover of the gnnboat Pocahontas. The force consisted of a portion of the Third New Hampshire Volunteers and U. S. Marines from the Pocahontas, covering gronnd which had not been visited by ns before, and advancing within a mile of the village of Rockville. It is evident there has formerly been a large picket stationed on the island, bat has been withdrawn, there being no evidence of any of late. The rebel picket can be seen at different points between Rockville and Chnrch Flats. A reconnaissance will soon be made by the Pocahontas t Page 4 4 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID MID EAST FLA. [Cu& r. XXVL Church Flats, to ascertain, if possible~ the force there. From the intel- ligence I get from contrabands this is among the best approaches to Charleston. The distance to Church Flats is 5 miles; from th,ri~ to Charleston 15 miles. It is reported a battery of four guns exists at Church Flats. The Charleston and Savannah Railroad is but 2 miles from Church Flats. No intelligence has been received of late from the main-land, but I shall use every endeavor to obtain all the intelligence I can. It was reported yesterday morning that the enemy were erecting earthworks at Watts Cut, on Jehossee Island. I immediately ordered the point to be shelled, and sent a detachment from the Third New Hampshire Volunteers, under cover of artillery, on the island. The earth works proved to be simply a shelter for the picket stationed there. I propose to make a reconnaissance in force on the island in a few days, and am in hopes to capture a few of the enemy on picket opposite Little Edisto Island. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. Q. FELLOWS, Colonel Third New Hampshire Volunteers, Gomdg. Post. Lieut. A. B. ELY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 16, 1862.Skirmish on Whitemarsh Island, Ga. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, Department of the South. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Quincy A. Gilimore, U. S. Army. No. 4.First Lient. .James H. Wilson, U. S. Topographical Engineers, Chief Topo- graphical Engineer Department of the South. No. 5.Col. William M. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Infantry. No. 6.Col. Marcellus Douglass, Thirteenth Georgia Infantry. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Port Royal, S. C., April 17, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of letters from General Benham and Acting Brigadier-General Gilimore, covering a report from Lient. J. H. Wilson, Topographical Engineers, of a reconnaissance of Wilmington Island, made yesterday. I regret to state our loss at 10 killed and 35 wounded. Our men, however, behaved nobly, and beat back double their numbers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, D. HUNTER, General LORENZo THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington Page 5 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON WHITEMAIRSH ISLAND, GA. 5 No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Henry W~ Benham, U. S. Army, commanding Korth- em District, Department of the South. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 17, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose a COl)Y of report from Acting Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore, commanding at Tybee Island, with a copy of report of reconnaissance by Lient. J. II. Wilson on Wilmington Island, transmitted therewith, for the consideration of the major-geli- eral commanding the department, said reconnaissance having been ordered, as I understand, by General Gilimore since the capture of Fort Pulaski. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the South. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gem. Quincy A. Gillmore, U. S. Ar my. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Tybee and Cockspur Islands, Ga., April 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the district, that I ordered a reconnaissance of Wilming- ton Island yesterday by Lient. J. II. Wilson, escorted by seven com- panies of the Eighth Michigan (about 400 men) and a field piece. The object was to ascertain the position of affairs on that island, on which repeated examinations on a small scale had been made, to complete the examination commenced by Colonel Rosa some days since, determine the character of the firm land and streams, and, above all, to see if any preparations by the enemy for boat expeditions against the hulk in Lazaretto Creek or on the left of my position were being made. The reconnaissance, so far as these poin1~s required it, w~s entirely successful, but I regret to be nuder the necessity of stating that the enemy was met there in force (800). A skirmish ensued. The enemy was driven off, and 10 of our men killed (including one lieutenant) and 35 wounded. Everything was brought off. I inclose Lieutenant Wilsons report of the skirmish. His report of the reconnaissance, with a complete map of the island and its water- courses, will be sent this p. in., or he will bring it up in person. I send the wounded up this morning on the Honduras. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier-General, Go mmanding. Lient. A. B. ELY, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem,, Northern Dist., Dept. of the South Page 6 6 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. No. 4. Reports of Jijeut. James IL Wilson, U. S. Topographical Engineers, Chief Topographical Engineer Department of the South. ON BOARD THE STEAMER HONDURAS, Off Wilmington Island, Ga., April 17, 1802. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following for the information of the general commanding: Escorted by seven companies of the Eighth Michigan Volunteets, commanded by Colonel Fenton, and a small detachment of the Rhode Island Artillery, I embarked on the steamer Honduras at Goats Point about 8 oclock yesterday morning, for the purpose of making a recon- naissance of Wilmington Island. Proceeding through Lazaretto Creek, Tybee River, and Wilmington Narrows to Screvens plantation two companies, G and B, about 115 men, nnder the command of Captain Pratt, were landed, with orders to march at once to the southwestern end of the island, skirting Turners Creek on the right, so as to cover the boat party, which was to follow that stream to Wilmington River. Ascending to the junction of Gatland and Turners Creeks, the balance of the command, in all about 300 men, were landed at Gibsons planta- tion. The first company ashore was directed to move at once to the south- west end of Whitemarsh Island skirting Turners Creek, and with in- structions to leave a small pick~t at the intersection of the roads from Gibsons and Gatland to Turners till another company should arrive at that point. A third company was to be thrown out on the road to the ferry at Carstons Bluff; to protect the boat party at Oatland Creek. The two remaining companies were to be held in reserve at Gibsons plantation. Lieutenant Colwell and 16 men of the Third Rhode Island Volun- teers, with one light Opounder, were left in charge of the steamer. The gun could not be landed, on account of the inability of the boat to lie alongside the landing. Having proceeded thin ough Turners to Wilmington River I returned by the same route and landed at Gibsons. Directly after arriving there I was informed that our patrols had discovered the enemy in force at or near Fleetwoods, and had seen traces of them all the way to Turners. Colonel Fenton had already given orders for the advance companies to ftill back to Gibsons, and made his dispositions for repeli- ing an attack and covering our embarkation. After an examination of the ground, at my suggestion one company was thrown farther for- ward, to take shelter behind the hedge and fence surrounding one of the houses. The colonel had already designated this position, and sta- tioned another in the woods lining the marsh ~n the left, and the bal- ance behind the houses and trees nearer the landing. After these dispositions were completed, and between 4 and 5 p. in., the rebels, subsequently ascertained to be the Thirteenth Georgia Vol- nnteers, about 800 strong, armed with Enfleld rifles, l)receded by a heavy line of skirmishers, made an attack upon our position. After onr advance line had delivered its fire from the hedge the bugles sounded the charge for the main body. This was confounded with the retreat. The advance line abandoned its cover and fell back through an open space toward the reserve. While in this somewhat confused condition the enemy advanced rapidly, pouring in upon us a steady and destructive fire. Our men replied with spirit from suc Page 7 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON WHITEMARSH ISLAND, GA. 7 cover as could be obtained. Order was soon re-established and the rebels held in check for an honr or more. After the ineffectual efforts of Colonel Fenton and myself to form enough men to charge their line and drive them from the hedge a portion of one company was carried to the right, and nnder cover of the timber skirting the marsh on that side the left flank of the enemy was met and frustrated iu an attempt to move in that direction. An advance on the left and along the whole line dislodged the enemy and put him in full flight. He fell back rapidly, leaving several dead and wounded on the field, and was closely pressed for a half or three- quarters of a mile. As it was now almost night it was not deemed advisable to continue the pursuit farther. Onr skirmishers were grad- nally drawn in; strong advance guards were posted well out oii both roads, and two companies again posted on the line of the hedge and the fence to the right. After having made these admirable dispositions of his force to secure our position Colonel Fenton then directed the re- moval of our killed and wounded to the steamer, and after holding the ground for three hours the entire force was quietly embarked without further accident, though it must be confessed had the enemy renewed his attack while we were engaged in embarking we should have suffered great loss. Our five small boats could not remove more than 50 men every thirty min~mtes, and the steamer lay in such a position that the 6-pounder could not be brought to bear without jeopardizing the lives of our own people. Our loss is 10 killed and 35 wounded. Among the former is Lieu- tenant and Adjutant Pratt, who fell while gallantly cheering on the men. Lieutenant Badger, in command of the advance guard, xvas dan- gerously if not mortally. wounded and fell into the hands of time enemy, but in the hurry of their retreat succeeded in effecting his escape. The loss of the enemy cannot be ascertained. Two of their dead were left in our hands. One, mortally wounded died before we disem- barked; the balance were carried off. Ja~,sir,vcry ~respectfully, you~ obedient servant, J. II. WILSON, First Licut., To Eng., and Chief Top. Eng. Dept. South. Lieut. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. A. G., Jldqrs. U. S. Forces, Tybee Island, Ga. TYBEE ISLAND, GA., April 17, 1862. Sin: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 41, I have made a re- connaissance of Wilmington Island, and have the honor to report as follows: From Goats Point through Lazaretto Creek, Tybee River, and Tur- ners Creek to Screvens plantation the navigation is safe at hal f-tide for vessels of 10 feet draught. The channel through Wilmington ~ar- rows to Saint Augnstine Creek is obstructed at its junction with Tybee River by a well-constructed barrier of 1)iles and live-oak logs. From this fact and its relation to the other streams I am of the opinion that it is navigable for gunboats. Turners Creek is also navigable at half- tide, but as its main entrance into Wilmington River is below the bat- teries occupied by the enemy there is no advantage to be obtained by nsing it. Oatland Creek was not ascended, but from the size of its entrance and the evidence of the negroes it is probably not navig Page 8 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. 8 ble. Moreover, the existence of the batteries at Carstons Bluff, just oppo~site its outlet, would render it unsafe. The location of the roads, plantations, and other features of the islands, as laid down by Colonel Rosa, as far as examined, were found to be sufficiently accurate for all military purposes. No boats of any description were found, and no iu- dications of any contemplated attack upon our guard boat in Lazaretto Creek could be perceived. The inclosed sketch will give all additional information necessary.* I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. WILSON, First Lieut., Top. Eng., Chief Top. Eng. Dept. of the South. Lieut. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. U. S. Forces, Tybee and Pulaski, Ga. No. 5. Report of Col. William M. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Infantry. HEADQUARTERS MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS, On Board Steamer Honduras, Off Wilmington island, Ga., April 16, 186211 p.~. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 41, I em- barked with seven companies of the Eighth Michigan Regiment as an escort to Lient. J. II. Wilson, Topographical Engineers, on a recon- naissance of Wilmington Island. Two companies, under command of Captain Pratt, were landed at Screvens plantation, with orders from Lieutenant Wilson to skirt Turners Creek; the other five companies were landed at Gibsons plantation. Two of these companies were ordered to skirt Turners Creek; a third was to take the road to the right towar(l ferry at Carstons Bluff to protect boat party up Oatland Creek, and the remainder to secure the landing. After one company of the five was landed Lieuteuant Wilson proceeded ma boat up Tur- ners Creek. Owing to the small number of boats and the distance from the steamer (which was grounded) some delay occurred in the dis- embarkation. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Graves to follow with the second compa~ny to skirt Turners Creek, but being misdirected he took the road to the right toward Carstons Bluff and on landing with the remaining companies I received information from him that the enemy were in force at Fleetwoods plantation and to the left of the wood. This rendered the reconnaissance of Oatland Creek with boat unsafe and I ordered the companies all in, and stationing the remaining companies to guard against an attack at our landing sent out strong pickets on both roads. I believe the ad vance of company to the right instead of along Turners Creek saved my command, asit sooner enabled me to post the men to advantage and take a position from which the enemys approach could be observed; The enemy proved to be the Thirteenth Georgia, about 800 strong, armed with Enileld rifles. As they ap- proached (about 4 oclock p. in.) with a strong body of skirmishers in the skirt of woods below the road the companies I had stationed to the right and left of the road, in accordance with my instructions, opened fire. I immediately sounded the charge for advance of corn~ * Not found Page 9 CJ?Av XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON WHITEMA1~SH ISLAND, GA. 9 panies in the rear of first line. The first line, mistaking the signal, fell back to the next cover. A constant and effective fire was kept up on both sides from cover of trees and bushes for an hour or more. Lieu- tenant Wilson, who had returned with boat party, here proved of great service to me. He took a party at my request to the left, and I ordered a company to the right to flank the enemy. Both operations were sac- cessful,~ and in a few moments the enemy retreated in confusion, leav- ing several dead on the field, followed by our men with loud cheers. It being now about sunset I recalled o~ur troops, and giving to Lieu- tenant Wilson the command of pickets stationed to guard against surprise, formed the companies in line as originally posted, sent the dead and wounded in boats to the ships, and gradually and very quietly under cover of night withdrawing the men sent ~hein on board as fast as our limited transportation would allow. At the last trip of the boats I embarked, accompanied by Lieutenant Wilson, Lieutenant- Colonel Graves, and the remainder of my command, at about 10 oclock p. in., and immediately brought on board the two compani& s left at Screvens plantation. Atter the enemy retreated we were unmolested. It is due to the officers and men of the command to say that generally they behaved with cool and intrepid conrage. Adjutant Pratt fell dead near my side, gallantly fighting musket in hand and cheering on the men. Our loss, I regret to say, was comparatively heavylO killed and 35 wounded out of a command of 300 men. Among the wounded is Acting Lieutenant Baager, of Company C, who was in charge of the advanced picket, and exhibited undaunted courage. He with one of his men was made l)Lisoner. Both escaped, and were brought in when the enemy retreated. The captain of the Honduras is deserving of great credit for his kind attention to the wounded. Indeed he afforded us every facility for the comfort of officers and men in his power. I respectfully refer to Lieutenant Wilsons report, which I have read, and contains some facts not embraced in this report, among others in relation to the men detailed in charge of the field piece on board ship, who were vigilant and attentive. Herewith is transmitted a list of casualties.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. M. FENTON, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. W. L. M. BURGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Tybee Island. No. 6. Report of Gol. ]Jliarcellus Douglass, Thirteenth Georgia Infantry. HEADQUARTERS CARSTOKS BLUFF, April 21, 1862. CAPTAIN: I take this the first opportnnity to make my report of the engagement between a portion of my command and a regiment of the enemy on Whitemarsh Island on the evening of the 16th instant: The island lies east of this place, and between is the island called Oatland. I have for some time kept pickets and small scouting par- * Nominal list omitted Page 10 10 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XIYI. ties on Whitemarsh, knowing that the enemy occasionally visited it. On that day I had sent, under command of Lient. Thomas G. Medders, of Company II, a party of about 45 men for scouting and picket duty. In the evening I took with me Capt. J. T. Crawford, ofCompanyG; Licut. R. T. Bowie, of same company, and 37 of their men, with axes, across to Oatland to have the trees on the island cut down. I required the men to carry with them their guns and cartridge boxes. Soon after getting there and about 3 p. m. one of my pickets came in from Whitemarsh and told~ie that the enemy were landing at Mr. Gibsons place, on the point of Whitemarsh next to Wilmington River, and that a steamer with about a regiment of men on board was lying in the river some 400 or 500 yards from the lauding, and that Lieu- tenant Medders, with his men, had fallen back across the island to a cross-road some 2 miles from where the enemy were seen. I iminedi- ately started Captain Crawford, with his company of 37 men, to the place where Lieutenant Medders had halted. I gave to Captaiu Craw. ford instructions to remain at that point until I could return to camp and get an additional force, and also directed him to send out pickets from the cross-roads in two directions, one leading to Gibsons place and the other to Turners place, which is on the point of Whitemarsh next to Augnstine Creek, and in view from which is Skidaway Island. I then hurried back to camp, being delayed in crossing Augustine Creek. Taking with me three companies (A, B, and C), commanded respectively by Lieut. E. L. Connally and Capts. James MeCallay and John L. Moore, I started for the island, hurrying the steamer Leesburg, at my command for this pnrpose. In order to take two chances of getting assistance to Captain Crawford I had Captain MeCallay to land from the boat on Gatland, just across from the battery at this place, and directed him to hurry over to the cross-road on Whitemarsh, xvith or- ders that he and Captain Crawford should remain with their companies at that place until I could reach them with the two others, and not to attack the enemy until I joined them, unless they should ascertain that there was only a small party of the enemy~ instead of a regiment, as reported to me by the pickets. My reason for not taking the three companies directly over Gatland toWhitemarsh was that the only means of cr6ssing the stream between the two islands was a small boat that would carry about 10 or 15 men at once, and too much time would be consumed in this manner. I therefore went on the steamer with Com- panies A and C around to a landing on Whitemarsh. Being delayed at the mouth of Whitemarsh Greek about one hour the boat ran aground, and by the time I could get my men all on land it was near 5.30 oclock. In the mean time the pickets posted by Captain Crawford discovered a party of the enemy, about 50 strong, who had advanced 1~ miles across the island. The pickets fired on them and fell back to the cross- road, and reported the number of men seen to be about 50 or 75, where- npdn Captains Crawford and MeCallay, after distributing between their two companies the scouting party under Lieutenant Medders, deter- mined to endeavor to surround the enemy and capture or kill them. Captain Crawford with his force went the road toward Gibsons, and Captain MeCallay with his force up the road toward Turners, to where another road turned off to the left and led to Gibsons place. Both parties met small parties of the enemy and the firing t~ommenced, the force on each side being nearly equal. The enemy were driven back for 1~ miles across little fields and skirts of woods to the Gibson house, i~here they sheltered themselves behind a hedge of cedar, and brisk fly- ing began Page 11 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON WHITEMARSH ISLAND, GA. 11 This was the first firing I heard, the other being scattering and the noise of the steamer preventing those of us on board from hearing any- thing else. As soon, however, as we had landed and the reports of the guns were heard I started my men at a double-quick, having then 2 or 24 miles to go. This distance we made as quickly as possible. On the way I met several of the wounded men and those who were without cartridges coming back. At the distance of about half a mile or less from the Gibson house I met Captain Crawford with his men retreating across a small field, and learned from him tkat he and Captain McCallay, who with their forces had divided near the cedar hedge, had been over- powered after having sust~ined heavy loss and exhausted their ammu- nition, and were compelled to retreat, and that the enemya full regi- mentwere in hot pursuit. Seeing that Captaii~ Crawford and all his men were completelywornoutlorderedthem to the rear,andformed my men in single rank along and just iu the edge of a skirt of woods, ordering them to lie down and wait for the command to fire. Soon the enemy came shouting as they came, apparently confident of overtaking and capturing the small party who had so long held them in check. The imprudence and impatience of one man prevented me from getting the enemy completely by surprise, and I believe in our power. He, contrary to orders, fired too soon, and knowing that a scattering fire would begin, I gave the command to fire, and one volley checked their progress and turned them back. They discharged their guns at us, but without effect. I kept my men in their position, expecting another ad. vance, but no Yankee showed himself again. Soon Captain McCaflay, about whom I felt great uneasiness, came in from a direction to the right of us, some of his men wounded and the rest without cartridges and all completely exhausted. Night had then come on us, and having only about 60 men with car- tridges and physicaThy able to fight, I deemed it imprudent to pursue the enemy to their boats, knowing their overwhelming force of 800 men and also fearing an ambuscade, as a skirt of woods through which they retreated was between us, and we could not then ascertain whether they were fleeing or awaiting our advance. On the next day I fliund that they had remained on the island only long enough to gather up their dead and wounded, as they had left knapsacks, cartridge boxes, canteens, haversacks, overcoats, blankets, & c., and a number of guns, all of which we gathered up. I also saw the doors that they had taken from the houses there and on which they had borne off their killed and wounded. The doors were very bloody. During the first part of the engagement, and while Captains Craw- ford and McCallay were driving the enemy before them, a Federal lieu~- tenant was mortally wounded, and from him .the fact was ascertained that their force numbered 800 or 860; it was the Eighth Michigan. Another prisoner, who was taken with the lieutenant, also stated that the men we were fighting were not foreigners. Several caps were found with the letters of the companies to which the wearers belonged on them, sh owing that there were different companies. I also learn from the officers and men that while the fighting was going on in the field in front of and from here, just beyond the Gibson house, the enemyformed in line of battle and their entire force took part in the fight. Some time during the engagement the enemy landed some artillery (the tracks of the wheels were found by us the next day), but it was not brought into action at all, and I juAge was carried back on the boat as quickly as it had been landed Page 12 12 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. The officers of my command engaged were: Capt. J. T. Crawford and Lieut. li. T. Bowie, of Company G; Capt. James McCallay and Lieuts. A. W. Pearce and J. T. llorsley, of Company B; Capt. John L. Moore and Licuts. T. M. Breed and J. B. Breed, of Company C, and Lients. E. L. Connally and J. C. Steger, of Company A. Lieut. Thomas G. Med- ders, of Company II, was lieutenant of the scouting party sent out in the morning. The whole force engaged at any one time was not over 90, some hav- ing been detailed as pickets to prevent surprise from the rear and to guard the steamer. Below is a list of the casualties: * Killed. Wounded. Officers officers 2 1 Enlisted men 4 12 Total 4 15 The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained, except approximately, by going over the ground and finding the bloody places which marked where they fell. There were quite a number of these, some of them indicating that those shot had bled very freely. Bloody garments were found, some caps that had been shot through, and the bloody doors upon which they had borne off their men; guns and various other things with blood on them indicate that the enemy suffered severely. I had forgotten also to mention that the lantern they had used in searching for their dead and wounded was found the next day. In their haversacks were found plates, knives, and forks, butter-crackers, meat, & c., as if they had come prepared to remain on the island a day or two. They had also some ground coffee thaf they drooped in their hurry. The guns used by them were muskets, some of them large-bore Springfield muskets rifled. The loss on our side, particularly in the ranks of Captain Crawfords company (G-), and the length of time they were fighting, show with what bravery they maintained their ground against overwhelming numn- berseight or ten to one. I cannot omit to state my high appreciation of the skill and courage of Captains Crawford and MeCallay and the valor of officers and men under them. Captain Crawford had command of the party until I arrived, and in his judgment and valor I have entire confidence. Cap. tam MeCallay nobly seconded him in every movement, and a braver, truer man cannot be found. Individual instances of heroism and narrow escapes were reported to me, among them that of Garland IJpshaw, of Company B, who in assist- ing in bearing off a wounded comrade had four bullet-holes made througfi his coat. Upshaw is quite a youth, and yet is considered one of the best scouts in the regiment. Private Pilkinton, of Company A, was shot just as he had loaded his gun, and after falling handed it to Cap- tain McCallay, requesting him to discharge it at the foe. Uaptain Craw- ford and his men were nearly surrounded, and though exposed to fire from three directions bravely fought until they had no cartridges to use. Captain McCallay had a ball shot through his coat. I have made this report too long, and yet not long enough to do full justice to the men who, less than 100, in a ftLir fight kept back 800 well- * NominaL list omitted Page 13 CHAr. XXVI.) ABDUCTION OF STEAMFR PLANTER. 13 armed Yankees for nearly an hour, and retreated only because they had no more ammunition with which to fight. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. DOUGLASS, Colonel, Commanding Post. Capt. MALLORY P. KING, A. A. G., Second Brigade. APRIL 29, 1862.Engagements at Pineberry Battery, Wilistown, and White Point, S. C. Report of Brig. (len. Nathan G. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District of South Carolina. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Adams Run, S. C, April 30, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general, that the enemy came up the Dawho and attacked the battery at Pineberry, and after an engagement of four hours suc- ceeded in landing and destroying the battery. I immediately repaired to the spot and made preparations to meet him. After going up the Pon Pon, near Willstown, I met him with two pieces of field artillery, when he commenced to retire. Watching his movements, I again in- tercepted him near White Point with four pieces of artillery and two companies of infantry and engaged him at 50 yards. The contest lasted an hour very hot, and no doubt many of the enemy were killed and wounded. He retired in a crippled condition. I am expecting a re- newed attack to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. G. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. J. R. WADDY, A. A. G., Charleston, S. a MAY 13, 1862.Abduction of the Steamer Planter from Charleston, S. C.* REPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina and Georgia. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding Second Military Dis- trict of South Carolina. No. 3.Lieut. F. G. Ravenel, C. S. Army, Aide-de-Camp. No. 4.Maj. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery. No. 1. Report of Maj. (len. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of South Carolina and Georgia. HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Savannah, Ga., May 13, 1862. I have just learned by telegraph that steamer Planter, with five * By Robert Smalls. See Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 1, 1862 Page 14 14 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. guns aboard, intended for the harbor, was stolen in Charleston this morning. Very respectfully, & c., J. C. PEMBERTON, Major- General, Commanding. General B. E. LEE, Richmond, Va. INTo. 2. Report of General Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding Second Military District of South Carolina. IIDQRS. 2n MILITARY DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, S. C., May 14, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a report from Lieutenant iRavenel, aide-de-camp, concerning the stealing of the steamer Planter from this post; also a report from Maj. Alfred Rhett, commandant at Fort Sumter. The mischief has occurred from the negligence of the captain and officers of the boat and their disobedience of orders, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, and which had been repeatedly nrged upon them. I shall prefer charges against them at an early day and lay them before the general commanding the depart- ment. B. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. J. B. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General, Charleston, S. C. No.3. Report of Lieut. F. G. Ravenel, C. S. Army, Aide-de-Camp. HDQRS. 2D MILITARY DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, S. C., May 13, 1862. GENERAL: I have to report that the steamer Planter was stolen from Southern Wharf at between 3 and 3.30 oclock this morning and taken to the enemys fleet, off the bar, where she was visible tiLl late in the forenoon. By telegram from Stono this afternoon it is reported that she has gone sonth. The Planter-is a high-pressure light-draught boat, drawiti g ordinarily not more than 3~ to 4 feet, and has been em- ployed in the Confederate service in the transportation of ordnance, & c., to and from the various posts in the harbor and other localities in the neighborhood. She was under the command of C. J. Belyea as master, Samnel 11. Smith, a Charleston pilot, being mate, and Zerich Pitcher engineer, with a colored crew, eight in number, and all slaves. Neither the captain, mate, nor engineer were on board at the time of her departure, notwithstanding paragraph YJ~I, in Orders, No. 5, viz Page 15 CHAP. XXVI.] ABDUCTION OF STEAMER PLANTER. 15 All light-draught steamers in the employ of the Government will be in readiness to move at once, their officers and crews when at the wharf remaining on board day and night. Four of her colored crew and one of the colored crew of the steam~er Etowah are missing, and are supposed to be parties to the theft. The Planter was to have taken to the Middle Ground Battery early this morning a portion of the armament fot that fortification, which had been put on board yesterday afternoon, viz, a banded rifle 42, one 8-inch columbiad, one 8-inch seacoast howitzer, and one 32-pounder. She had also mounted for her own use one 32-pounder and a 24-pounder howitzer, and for use in Fort Sumter a 10-inch columbiad carriage, all of which have fallen into the hands of the enemy. From an examination of the guard in the neighborhood of the wharf whence the Planter was stolen it would appear that about 8 oclock last night two white men and a white woman went on board of her and as they wei~e not seen to return it is supposed that they have also gone in her. The sentinel on post about 50 yards from where the Planter was moored noticed her movement from the wharf at between 3 and 3.30 oclock, but did not think it necessary to stop her, presuming that she was but pursuing her usual business. The Planter after leaving the wharf proceeded along the bay as far perhaps as the Atlantic Wharf~ where, after a short stoppage and the blowing of her whistle, she was turned and proceeded on her course to sea. She passed Fort Sumter at 4.15 oclock, and was reported by the sentinel on duty to the officer of the day. She was supposed to be the guard-boat and allowed to pass without interruption. I have the honor to be, yours, most respectfully, F. G. BAVENEL, Brig. Gen. B. S. RIPLEY, Aide-dc-Camp. Second Military District. No. 4. Report of Maj. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY REGIMENT, Fort Sumter, S. C., May 13, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at 4.15 oclock this morn- ing the sentinel on the parapet called for the corporal of the guard and reported the guard-boat going out. It was so reported to the officer of the day, and as it is by no means unusual for the guard-boat to run out at that hour, no further notice was taken of the occurrence. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED RIIETT, Major. Capt. LEO. D. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 16 1f3~ COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (4Z~HAP. XXVI. MAY 20, 1862.Bombardment of Coles Island, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. S. R. Gist, C. S. Army. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. S. R. Gist, C. S. Army. NEAR BATTERY ISLAND [May 20, 1862j1.15 p. m. CAPTAIN: The largest gunboat has taken position near Grimballs Landing. One has anchored just opposite to Legar6s; anofher is at Battery Island. Three only have passed the obstructions near Battery Island. They are shelling in all directions at intervals; have command of the roads leading to Coles and Battery Islands. One is just oppo- site to the point where the general and Thyself thonght of placing the rifled guns, within 400 yards of it. I would like to have another com- pany of cavalry for a few days. One is not sufficien t for the duties of guards, & c., across this island and up the Stono. I would like to have Hamptons if it can be spared. The boats at anchor and have not fired for fifteen minutes. Respectfully, S. B. GIST, Captain WALKER, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- General. ON THE ROAD NEAR LEGAR~S May 20, 18622.15 ). m. SIR: Two of the enemys gunboats entered Stono about 12 in.; passed along Goat and Coles Islands shelling, and are now at anchor around Kiawah Point, in full view of Battery Island, throwing occasional shells in different directions. I have withdrawn the troops from Coles and from Battery Islands and fired the building at both these places. The vessels are just below the obstructions in the river. No one hurt; all property saved. I will keep close watch and report further. By order of Brigadier-General Gist: CARLOS TRACY, Capt. LEO D. WALKER, Aide-de-Camp. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Reports of Lieut. Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry. FORT PALMETTO, S. C., May 20, 1862-~---10.30 a. m. CAPTAIN: The two gunboats have moved to a new position and are now at anchor outsidc opposite to this fort and in full view. Page 17 CHAr. Xxvi) APPAIII ON CROOICED RIVEt~, PtA. 17 schooner has just come up from the south and is now at anchor along- side with sails up. A large steamer under sail and steam passed by and spoke th~ gunboats. A small boat rows about among them and the clothes are hanging on the line of the larger gunboat. Very. respectfully, E. CAPERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Captain WALKEI~, Acting AssistanrAdjutant- General, Secessionville, S. C. P. S.The schooner is threatening our channel. FORT PALMETTO, S. C., May 20, 186212 m. CAPTAIN: The schooner evidently brought buoys, for five barges, after being engaged in sounding, went UI) to her, came off, and have planted a buoy in the channel, or at its mouth, just opposite this fort. The buoy formerly on the bar over Folly has disappeared. The largest of the three gunboats is now about to join the two smaller from the direction of Charleston Bar. E. CAPERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. MAY 20, 1862.Affair on Crooked River, Fla. Report of Capt. Haley T. Blocker, Beauregard Rangers, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Gladden, Walculla County, Fla., May 21, 1862.. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on yesterday morning, at 3.30 oclock, I left this camp with a detachment of 33 men for Crooked River, at which point we arrived at 1p.m. In a short time after our arrival I discovered a boat leaving the blockading vessel and approach- ing the mouth of said river. I immediately placed my men in ambush on Carrs Hill, and when the boat came opposite we opened fire-on the enemy and killed or wounded all the party of 21 except 4. It gives me pleasure to state that my men acted gallantly throughout the whole affair. There was no one hurt on our side, although our fire was re- turned from the boat. Had my men been properly armed not one of the enemy could have escaped. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, H. T. BLOCKER, Captain, Commanding Beauregard Ranger8. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Comdg. J)ept. of Middle and East Florida, Tallahassee, Fla. 2 R RVOL XIV Page 18 18 COASPS or S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EASt rLA. LOLIAP. ~IX~tI. MAY 21, 1862.Affair near Battery Island, S. C. 1i~eport of (Jol~ 0. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth South Carolina infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH REGJMRNT S. C. VoLS., Secessionville, S. C., May 21, 1862. CAFTAIN: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, under date of 20th instant, I this morning detailed 60 men from Company E, Captain Jones, and posted them as pickets near Battery Island. The most advanced post was located at the o~1 magazine, at the northern- most end of the Battery Island works, and consisted of 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 4 men. The second post was in a thicket some 250 yards nearer the causeway leading from Battery to James Island, and the main support of 20 men was posted in the James Island woods near the road, with the relief of 30 men at a point in the rear not far from the old Legar6 settlement. At about 11 a. m. the sergeant in charge of the advanced picket sent back a messenger to Captain Jones, in charge of his support, that a small boat had left one of the steamers lying near the obstructions in the Stono River and was approaching the shore. Before any support could be sent forward one of the enemys gunboats passed up the river and took a position enfilading the bridge and causeway, where she commenced throwing grape and shrapnel, completely cutting off all communication with the pickets and closing their line of retreat. It is supposed that on finding themselves cut off and forgetting the barge which had been seen approaching they entered the magazine to pro- tect themselves from the fire of the vessel and were made prisoners by the landing party. The second picket withdrew in time and escaped. The fire of the enemy was very severe and penetrated the cover of the detachment in every direction. The men were then very prudently withdrawn until the firing ceased, when they resumed their first posi. tions, except the picket at the magazine, which was not re-established. Toward evening I retired the whole picket farther in the direction of Legar6s, one vessel having gone down the river to Coles Island and th~ two others dropped down to the line of piles. I beg to commend to your favorable consideration the men who were captured, and should an opportunity offer for exchange would be macli gratified to have them returned to the regiment: Sergt. Samuel White, Corpi. Calvin Wilson, Privates Adam Carter, Charles Carter, B. C. Hutson, Andrew Hutson. I am, very respectfully, C. H. STEVRNS, Colonel Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Vols. Capt. JOSEPH WALKER, A. A. 9., Secessionville, S. C. MAY 22, 1862.Expedition to Johns Island, S. C. Report of Brig. Gen. Nathan 0. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District of South Carolina. HDQRS. THIRD MILITARY DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Adams Run, S. C., May 23, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I proceeded to Johns Island yesterday with Col. John Dunovants commandeight companies o Page 19 ChAP. XXVI.] JAMES ANT) DIXONS ISLANDS, 5. 0. 19 infantry, the Marion Artillery, and two companies of cavalrywith the intention of driving the enemy, should he be found, off the islands to his gunboats6 Leaving Colonel Means and Colonel Slaughters regi- ments as a reserve at Church Flats, with the force above named I made a thorough reconnaissance of both islands and found that the enemy had returned to their ships. All the wagons [negroes 0?] were imme- diately ordered to be removed, and the troops had collected about 200 before I left, and are now at Church Flats. As there are greater accom- modations in the city, I have directed them to be sent to workhouse to be fed and taken care of by the owners. I was compelled to issue rations to them till provisions could be secured from the different plan- tations. 1 have still one infantry [company] and cavalry on Johns Island removing the negroes and destroying whatever cotton is found. When this work is finished I will withdraw all the force except four companies of cavalry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. 0-. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. II. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Charleston, S. C. MAY 25, 1862.Aflair between James and Dixons Islands, S. C. Report of Brig. Gen. S. B. Gist, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS JAMES ISLAND AND DEPENDENCIES, Secessionville, 5- C., May 25, 18628 p. rn. SIR: I have the honor to report the only occurrence of interest after the departure to-day of the brigadier-general commanding: Captain Bonneaus gunboat was left by the steamer Chesterfield at the bridge between Dixons and James Islands this morning. The enemy perceiving the steamer Chesterfield as she was placing Captain Bonneaus gunboat in position fired into her and inflicted a slight injury. The captain of the Chesterfield immediately left Captain Boii- neans boat and ran off to Secessionville. On my arrival here about 5 p. in. I ordered the Chesterfield back to bring off the gunboat. Cap- tain Bonnean, being left at the bridge, was directed to return the enemy~s fire, but not to fire first. The enemys gunboats in passing the opening between Dixons and James Islands discovered and opened fire on Captain Bonneaus boat. The fire was promptly returned by Captain Bonneau. The enemy fired some five or six shots; Captain Bonneau some fifteen, when the enemy retired toward Coles Island, out of sight and out of range. Captain Bonneau is confident that he struck the enemys boat twice his own boat was untouched. Colonel Stevens reports that Captain Bonneau and his men handled their guns with great accuracy and behaved with admirable coolness. After the enemys boats had retired the Chesterfield went down and brought off our boat. I have directed Captain Bonnean to resume his former posi- tion near Morris Island. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, S. R. GIST, Brigadier General, Commanding. Capt. LEO. D. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 20 20 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CRA?. XXVI. NAY 29, 1862.Skirmish at Pocotaligo, S. C. IREPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, North- ern District, Department of the South. No. 2.Col. Benjamin C. Christ, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 3.Col. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District of South Carolina. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Isaac L Stevens,U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Northern District, Department of the South. IIDQRS. 2n BRIG., NORTHERN DIsT., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Beaufort, S. C., May 31, 1862. SIR: My previous dispatches and telegrams have apprised you of the steps taken by me to make the demonstration of the day before yester- day on the railroad and of the success of that demonstration. To reca- pitulate briefly: 1. Your telegram reached me at 6 oclock p. m. on the 28th, and I understood the telegram as directing me to make a strike according to the original programme, even though it should cause the getting afloat of my command for another object to be deferred until Saturday morn- ing. I accordingly made my arrangements and communicated with you by telegraph. 2. Your letter per Mattano, which reached me about 7 oclock, advised me that your intention was that the stroke should be made with my depot force, but it was not to be made if the force was deemed insuffi- cient or if it would endanger the getting of my command afloat on the evening of the 30th. 3. Being satisfied that the force indicated would be sufficient to strike the railroad at Pocotaligo and that by proper arrangements I could get the force afloat in season I simply modified the orders accordingly, all of which I set forth in my dispatch of the same evening, from which I beg leave to make the following extract: Your dispatch (telegram) never reached me till a quarter before 6 oclock by my own or 6 oclock by the Beaufort time; too late to get an answer through to-night. I however at once got my command in readiness to push the operation on the rail- road so far as possible according to the original programme, when receiving your letter per Mattam I modified it so that the Fiftieth Regiment, with one company of the Highianders and one company of the Eighth Michigan as fatigne parties and one section of Rockwells battery, with all the force which can be spared from the cavalry, will by 11 oclock start for the ferry and be crossed by daylight. I shall direct them to attempt simply the destruction of the road in the vicinity of Pocotaligo and the Tulifiny and to return immediately. I will have the two fatigue companies brought in from the ferry in wagons to-morrow evening, so they may be in condition to go on board Friday morning. Early in the morning I shall send out strong detachments from each company of the troops destined for the work of Friday to the vicinity of the ferry as a reserve, who will return in the cool of the afternoon. The force which remains will under the several colonels prepare for Friday. 4. My arrangements for bringing boats to the ferry were remarkably successful. Lieutenant Brown, Eighth Michigan, was dispatched to the advanced posts with orders to Captain Lewis to bring to the ferry all the boats at Seabrook and other l)oints. Lieutenant Adams, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was sent to Ladies Island with similar orders to Captain Dimock, in command on that island. They brought twelve fiats and boats to the ferry before the arrival of the troops. Twelv Page 21 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT POCOTALIGO, S. C. 21 flats, including the ferry-boat, were started from Beaufort at 9.30 oclock, each flat manned by a soldier and 0 negroes, all under the charge of Lieutenant Donohue, Eighth Michigan, and reached the ferry about day- light. The troops commenced crossing at 3 p. m. Much delay occuryed in the passage of both the cavalry and artillery. The infantry com- menced their march at 5 a. in., the cavalry at 6 a. in., but the artillery not till 8, and the latter were furthermore delayed in the road nearly two hours in feeding and watering their animals. The officer in charge, Lieutenant Cannon (his first experience in service), states that he used every exertion to push up, but did not reach the advance till the enemy had been routed. The inclosed~eport of Colonel Christ will give the details of the affair. The enemy was handsomely driven from his position. Two prisoners were taken. He experienced considerable loss in killed and wounded. But on examining his cartridge boxes Colonel Christ found but little ammunition was left. Although his advance were in direct view and only a quarter of a mile ft om the rail- road he determined to fall back and return to Beaufort. As he fell back, although some of the enemys vedettes kept in view of him, no serious attack on him was attempted, and the return was very leisurely made. 5. The troops designated as reserves, viz, 25 men from each company of the Eighth Michigan and Seventy-ninth Highlanders not on other duty, and 40 men from each company of the One hundredth Pennsyl- vania, moved off according to orders, and were at their appropriate positions at the ferry, Camp Stevens, and the 7mile post at the time designated. 6. At 1 oclock I learned that the troops would not, be put afloat until the 31st, and at 3.30 oclock (having gone to the ferry in the mean time) that Colonel Christ had had a sharp engagement with the enemy in force superior to his own. I then determined to send the llighlanders ~GardensCornersasareserve,andafterwardsenttothesamepoint the Eighth Michigan. The former numbered 225 and the latter 150 men. The One hundredth Pennsylvania were advanced to the ferry. These forces were advanced out of abundant caution, and not in conse- quence of there being esteemed an imperative necessity for so doing. 7. The troops all returned in good condition, the force of Colonel Christ of course much fatigued. They all recrossed the ferry before 4 oclock the morning of the 30th, and had therefore marched 33 miles, fought two hours, and made two difficult river crossings in some twenty- seven hours. This I consider a remarkable case of endurance, for it must be borne in mind that the weather was warm, and the operation ~T~5 undertaken on the jump and at the close of the day. 8. The operation, in short, was most successful as a reconnaissance or demonstration, and it is very certain, could the original programme have been carried out, that the whole line would have been broken up from Salkehatchie to Coosawhatchie. It proves the correctness of the information which I had previously gainedthat the enemy was not in any considerable force at the railroad. 9. The crossings at the ferry, both going and returning and through the entire operation, were in charge of Captain Lewis and Lieutenants Brown and Donohue, Eighth Michigan. They are deserving of partien. lar mention for their skill and endurance. Captain Cline, One hun- dredth Pennsylvania, assisted with his company at the return. I have to return my acknowledgments to my staff, Captain Stevens, assistant a~jutant-general; Captain Lusk, aide de-camp, and Lieutenant Porter, brigade quartermaster. Colonel Christ speaks in complimentary term Page 22 22 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVI. of my aide, Lieutenant Lyons, who accompanied him and acted as his aide during the affair. 10. Our casualties were 2 killed and 9 wounded. Captain Parker was among the killeda most gallant officer, conspicuous for his gallantry in this affair, and an officer whose whole course has given promise of distinction. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISAAC I. STEVENS Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. A. B. ELY, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hilton Head, S. C. No. 2. Reports of Col. Benjamin C. Christ, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Infantry. POCOTALIGO, May 29, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: After a spirited engagement, which lasted two hours, we succeeded in driving the enemy from their cover, and the cavalry is now in full pursuit. We have 2 killed and 5 wounded. I regret to say that Captaiu Parker is one of the, killed. We will pro~ ceed at once to the railroad. The battery has just arrived. We should have some ambulances to bring our dead and wounded. Yours, respectfully, B. C. CHRIST, Colonel Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. General STEVENS, Beaufort, S. C. P. S.I have just learned from a wounded prisoner that their loss is severe and that their force was at least 800. POCOTALIGO, May 29, 1862. SIR: Upon investigation I find that the men have not over 12 rounds of cartridges on the average. I also learn from negroes that the des- perate stand made by the enemy at this point was in the expectation of re-enforcemeuts from Grahamville and McPhersouville. At the lat- ter place it is said they have 600, and they expected a larger force from the former. After consulting with the officers, and in view of your orders to avoid a general engagement, I have considered discretion the better part of valor, and leave 2.30 oclock for Beaufort. Yours, B. C. CHRIST, Colonel Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. General STEVENS. BEAUFORT, S. C., May 30, 1862. SIR: In pursuance to orders I left Beaufort at 10.30 oclock on the evening of the 28th with my regiment and one company of the Eight Page 23 ChAr. XXVI.] 23 SKIRMISH AT POCOTALIGO, S. C. Michigan Volunteers, Captain Doyle, and one company of the Seventy- ninth New York Volunteers, Captain Elliott, and proceeded to Port Royal Ferry. We succeeded in getting on the main-land by daylight, and immediately took up my line of march for Pocotaligo via Gardens Corners. About 2 miles from the ferry we commenced driving in the enemys pickets, and did so three times before we reached Gardens Corners. At this point I left Company E, Lieutenant Lantz command- ing, and at this point also Major fligginson, First Massachusetts Cav- alry, reported to me with 80 men and horses. I again took up my line of march for Pocotaligo via the Sheldon road, and save the driving in of the enemys pickets several times, which caused us considerable de- lay, we reached Pocotaligo without further interruption. Here the enemy had chosen a most favorable position, and we suf- fered the casualties (which I will mention hereafter) in a successful effort to dislodge him. As you reach Pocotaligo, you do so over a causeway about a quarter of a mile in length, flanked partly on either side by a marsh, and through which passes a stream. About 80 yards from the end of the ounseway over this stream was a bridge about 15 feet wide, which the enemy had so far destroyed as to make it impassable save by passing over athe string pieces, about 6 inches wide. On the opposite side of the marsh from Pocotaligo there is a narrow strip of woods. Through this we skirmished, and then ascertained that the enemy was posted under cover of trees and ditches within good rifle-range on eithi~r side of the causeway. Some small firing now ensued with very little effect on either side. It however became evident that in order to dis- lodge the enemy we must have a nearer range for our arms, and the lamented Captain Parker then volunteered to take his com}j~any across the stream on the string pieces and let them drop into a ditch on our right, where they would be partially under cover. This movement was successful. After some considerable time I succeeded in passing over about 300 men, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholtz, who gradually approached the opposite side of the marsh and succeeded in dislodging the enemy on our right, which was followed by a charge on the left, when the enemy commenced a rapid retreat to the woods. As soon as it could be done I had the bridge relaid, and immediately ordered the cavalry in pursuit, but the enemy having taken refuge in a wood where cavalry could not operate successfully I had to pursue him with infantry, but unfortunately the men were so jaded and worn-out with their long march of 24 miles that they could not pursue him as rapidly as he re- treated. At this time Lieutenant Cannon, with a section of the Connecticut battery, reported himself, having just arrived on the ground. In my judgment, if the artillery had been on the ground when the action com- menced we could have dislodged the enemy in a very short time and proceeded to accomplish the object of the expedition; but the action itself lasted nearly two hours, and by the time I could recall the com- l)anfes in pursuit of the enemy and again get ready to move more than three hours had elapsed; besides, the men had so much reduced their ammunition that I was not willing to risk another engagement, which I had every reason to expect awaited me at the railroad to where the enemy had retreated, and, as I had been informed by the negroes, they were sure to meet re-enforcements from McPher~onville and Graham. ville. In view of the positive orders I received to return to Port Royal Island during the-night, and to avoid, if possible, bringing on a genera Page 24 24 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. engagement, and with reduced ammunition, I deemed it prudent to retire, and accordingly arrived at Port Royal Ferry at 11 oclock p. m. Small detachments of cavalry followed us as far as Gardens Corners, when the outer pickets of Company E repulsed them by unhorsing one of their number. At Gardens Corners I met a detachment of the Eighth Michigan Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Graves commanding, and a detachment of the Seventy-ninth New York, under command of Captain More. As soon as we arrived at the ferry I immediateJy com- menced to cross over, and by 3 oclock (morning) the entire force was on this side the Coosaw River. Our loss during the engagement was 2 killed and 9 wounded, for de- tails of which I respectfully refer you to the accompanying report of Dr. Siemens~ regimental surgeon. What the enemys loss is it is diffi- cult to say, but from all I can learn it mnst be much greater than ours. We captured 2 prisoners, one of which I have already sent to head- quarters, and the other is in the hospital, wounded. It is also difficult to state the force of the enemy, but it could not have been less than from 600 to 800. There were six companies of mounted riflemen, be- sides infantry, among which were a considerable number of colored men. Among the killed is Capt. Charles II. Parker, Company II, who fell while gallantly cheering his men to duty. Before leaving Pocotaligo I had the bridge over that river destroyed. My object in this was that in any future expedition to this point it would prevent the enemy from cutting off our retreat by sending forces from Grahamville. I regret to state that on yesterday morning, near Stewarts plantation, Lieutenant Rush, Company B, was dangerously wounded by the acci- dental discharge of his pistol. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men under my command. They proved themselves soldiers not only in name but in deed. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Colonel Bren- holts, Major Overton, and Adjutant Rodgers, of the Fiftieth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers; Major iligginson, of the First Massachusetts Cav- alry, and of Lieutenant Lyons, aide-dc-camp to General Stevens. All of, which is respectfully submitted. B. C. CHRIST, Colonel, Commanding Fiftieth Regiment Pa. Vols. Capt. H. STEVENS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Re~port of Col. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District of South Carolina. - HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, MePhersonville, S. C., June 6, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that a sharp engagement occurred between the troops under my command and the enemy on the 29th ultimo. I was absent on an inspecting tour of my command and was return- ing to my post on the cars when informed by a trooper, who stopped the cars, that he had been sent to inform me that the enemy in Ibrce wer Page 25 Cair. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT POCOTALIGO, S. c. 25 advancing to attack the railroad. When arriving upon the field I found that Maj. J. II. Morgan, assisted by Capt. W. L. Trenholm, had made a judicious disposition of a small dismounted force, which consisted of Capt. W. L. Trenholms company (Rutledge Mounted Riflemen), sta- tioned in the woods at Old Pocotaligo, 38 men, and two companies (A and ID, First Battalion Cavalry), 38 men, lining the left bank of Scre- yens Canal as skirmishers. A bridge crossing the canal had been pre- vionsly torn up. Generals Pemberton, Drayton, and Evans had been telegraphed of the ~nemy~s advance. The remaiiiin~ two companies of cavalry, with Capt. ID. B. Heywards company, were held in reserve, with the dismounted horses, half a mile in the rear, all nuder cOmmail(l of Maj. J. II. Morgan, with orders to be in readiness to charge the enemy when required. A number of these men were without long aruis. Upon the approach of the enemys advance guard the disumunted cavalry companies opened fire with their shot-guns at the distance of 40 yards. They returned the fire, and commenced deploying to the right and left near the banks of the canal. The Rutledge Mounted Riflemen fired deliberately one shot at a time at intervals as the enemy would expose themselves. Five companies crossed the road and de- ployed to the right. I should judge two coml)aIliCs deployed to time left. Both kept np a scattered and continuous fire with lorigrange guns. The small force of 76 mcii held their position with great spirit and tenacity for nearly three hours, from 10.30 to near 1.30. At this time the enemy crossed the ditch to the right of Lient. R. M. Skinners command, thns flanking hint, and enabling them to cut the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen from the causeway in the rear. Lieut. R. M. Skinner was shot down, and his men retired by the left under shelter of the ditch. I ordered the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen to retire, which they did in good order. Lient. R. M. Skinner and Private Robert Stuart, of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, were brought oft~ seriously wounded. On reaching the dismounted horses the whole command retired in good order to a position three-quarters of a mile in rear of the former. Here we met the ammunition which had been sent for, and the whole force was resupplied. The enemy had been held in check so long and the ground was so difficult for cavalry that I deployed two-thirds of my command upon the banks of a ditch crossing the road. As we retired - I detailed a small party of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen to remain in observation. I sent out 6 of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen to the left under Lient. L. J. Walker, and 15 of the cavalry battalion under Maj. J. II. Morgan. I stationed 2 of the latter within 400 yards of a sentinel of the enemy who were occupying Old Pocotaligo. At 4 oclock I received a re-enforcement of three pieces of a light battery, under Capt Stephen Elliott, jr., and two companies infantry, Companies I and F, of the Eleventh South Carolina Infammtry, Capts. Allen C. Izard and B. F. Wyman. I placed the battery in position to command the road, and formed the infantry as skirmishers along the banks of a long canal running nearly at right angles to the road. Learning from my vedettes that the enemy were retiring I advanced in pursuit with my entire force. As the enemy were retiring in good order I had to feel my way carefully with skirmishers deployed to avoid am- buscade. Colonel Means regiment of 400 men joined me in the night. We continued the pursuit till 10 oclock at night, when my advance guard was fired on by their rear guard. I rode up to the advance and was informed by Lient. L. J. Walker, who was in command of the advance guard, that he felt assured they had halted at Gardens Corners and that the firing was by their outpost. The night was intensely dark Page 26 26 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. rCHAP. XXVI. the country intricate, and intersected by ditches, by roads, and woods, and I was fearful of risking the chances of a night attack, in which it would be impossible to distinguish friend from foe. In my judgment there was too great risk of that most melancholy of disasters when friends shoot each other by mistake in a blind m~lee. The country was so broken that cavalry could not operate. My in- fantry was inferior in number to that of the enemy. It was reported to me that the infantry could not, after the fatigue of the day, sustain the march of 12 miles, which would have enabled them to get in the rear of the enemy by another route. Had they attempted it the enemy, if disposed to retire, could cross before they reached it, as they had only 3 miles to march. The probability of a gunboat being stationed at Port Royal Ferry to protect their retreat was an element to be duly consid- ered. I was forced unwillingly to the conclusion to halt and make the attack early in the morning. With this view I ordered Colonel Phillips Georgia Legion, which I was notified had arrived at Pocotaligo, to join me at daylight. The entire command was ordered to be ready to march at daylight. Early in the morning I advanced as far as Port Royal Ferry, where I found the enemy had crossed during the night. Capt. Stephen Elliott, jr., brought up his artillery and battered the ferry-house, which sheltered their pickets, and their flat-boats, with which they had effected a cross- ing, at the range of 250 yards. As stated by a corporal of the, enemy taken prisoner, their force consisted of twelve companies of infantry, viz: Fiftieth Pennsylvania Regiment, one company of Eighth Michigan, one company of New York, one of cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. The whole force I had actually engaged was 76 men rank and file. One hundred and ten were in reserve and holding horses, a considerable number only armed with sabers. The remainder of my force was on picket duty and watching other roads by which the enemy might ap- proach. The smallness of the list of killed and wounded presented after such protracted firing is accounted for by the thorough protection af- forded the skirmishers by the banks of the canal, of the shelter of which they availed themselves in retreating by a line parallel to that of the enemy, rejoining their horses by a circuit to the left. I would specially commend the soldierly bearing of Capt. W. L. Tren- holm and Lient. L. J. Walker, of- the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen; Lieut. R. M. Skinner, of Company A, and Sergeant Lesesne, of same company; Corpl. W. II. Jeffers and Privates Joseph P. Taylor and W. K. Steadman, of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen. I was much indebted to Capt. W. W. Elliott, acting ordnance officer, for his information of the topography of the country. Lient. Ed. II. Baruwell, acting assistant adjutant-general, showed great zeal and gallantry, and was exposed to a sharp and close fli-e while aiding me in the engagement. I cannot too highly commend the pertinacity and spirit shown by the small command of the First Battalion Cavalry, under Lieut. R. M. Skin- ner, of Company A, while exposed to a close and rapid fire of a greatly superior force. The Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, armed with a long-range rifle, were placed at a greater distance from the enemy. Throughout the contest they behaved with great steadiness and courage, and illustrated the excellent discipline and drill for which the corps is conspicuous. Lieut. L. J. Walker, with 6 of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, foimed the advance guard While following the enemy. Lient. L. J. Walker per- formed the responsible duty assigned him with skill and courage Page 27 ChAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON JAMES ISLAND, s. a. 27 List of killed and wounded. SD e C Command. ~ ~ K __ RUTLEDGE MOUNTED RIFLEMEN. privates 2 3 FIRST BATTALION CAVALRY. Company A: Officers. 1 Privates Company C: Privates 1 1 Grand total 2 8 1 The loss of the enemy is supposed to have been larger, but could not be certainly ascertained, as his killed and wounded were carried off in wagons seized on the neighboring plantations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Colonel, Commanding Third Military District. Maj. J. B. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, S. C., June 13, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your report of the engagement of May 29 between the troops of your command and a compuratively large force of the enemy at or near Pocotaligo. The major-general commanding directs me to thank that portion of the troops engaged for their gallant, noble, and daring conduct on that occasion in meeting and holding in check a n~uch larger force for sev- eral hours, fighting the enemy at every available point with the usual gallantry, thus saving the railroad from capture. I am, colonel, very respectfully, B. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General. Col. W. S. WALKER, Comdg. Third Military District. JUNE 3, 1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. REPORTS.* No. 1.Lieut. Ocran H. Howard, Acting Signal Officer, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. S. R. Gist, C. S. Army. No. 3.Lieut. Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry. No. 4.Lieut. Col. P. C. Gaillard, Twenty-seventh South Carolina Infantry. No. 1. Report of Lieut. Ocran Iii. Howard, Acting Signal Officer, U. S. Army. SIGNAL STATION, Beaufort, S. C., June 23, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 1st day of June 1 * Sce also Confederate Correspondence, etc., nader dates of June 34, i~62, post Page 28 28 COASTS OF S C., GA., A ND MID. AND LAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. embarked at Beaufort on board the United States transport Flora, with Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, commanding Second Division, Department of the South, for James Island, South Carolina. On Monday, the 2d June, I reached James Island, aud the troops were lan(led. On Tues- day, 3d, a reconnaissance in force was made by the troops composing the First Brigade. That the gunboats might be made of service in this affYiir I was ordered by Lieutenant Keenan. chief signal officer, on board the United States gunboat Unadilla1 Captain Collins, and imme- diately opened communication with Lieutenaim Keenan on shore. The enemy in front of our forces held a position in the woods, where they had planted a masked battery. These woods were entirely concealed from the Unadilla by intervening woods; but previous to the advance of our troops Lieutenant Keenan, so stationed that lie could see both the woods occnl)ied by the enemy and the gunboats, had so directed the fire throngh me that the 11-inch shells from the Unadilla were doing as much exeention as if the enemys position had been in plain sight. When our forces were thrown forward General Stevens sent me the following message: Fire as rapidly as possible and we will take their gu fl5. This was done, and the next message was, Cease firing. Soon after came the message, We have taken three of their guns. Thereafter, up to the day of the assault upon the Tower Bat- ery, hardly a day elapsed that I was not doing signal duty on board one of the gunboats, in communication with Lieutenants Keenan, Taift, or 1-lickok. I did signal duty on gunboats Unadilla, Pembina, Henry Andrews, Hale, and Ellen. These vessels after the occupation of James Island fired hardly a shot except under my directions, and in all re- connaissances I was at my post and in c6nstant communication with the signal officer on shore. On the day of the assault on the Tower Battery I was on the gun- boat Ellen, and for an account of services rendered that day I respect- fully refer you to the official reVort of General Stevens, to those parts of it wherein I am mentioned, once in connection with Lieutenant Taift and again by myself I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. II. HOWARD, First Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Captain, Second Infantry~ Acting Signal Officer, in Charge. No.2. Report of Brig. Gen. S. R. Gist, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS EASTERN DIVISION, James Island, S. C., June 12, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose report of Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, commanding detmchments engage(l on the 3d inst. on James Island, and to add, from personal observation, my testimony to the gal- lant beaming and conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Capers and the officers and men engaged in the aff~iir. The prisoners wei-e forwarded to Charles- ton on the same day to the provost-marshal. A short time after th Page 29 CnAr. XXVI.] SKIRMTSH ON JAMES ISLAND, S. C engagement Brigadier-General Mercer arrived and assumed command and made the subsequent disposition of the forces. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R GIST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. R. WADDY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept~ South Carolina and Georgia. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Cot. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry. CAMP 24TH 5. C. VOL. REGT., ADVANCE FORCES, James Island, S. C., June 10, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the details of the recent en- gagement with the enemy~s advance at Legar6s place, below Seces. sionville, on the 3d instant: In obedien~e to your direction I left the camp before daylight with four companies of the Twenty-fourth, the Marion Rifles, Pee iDee Rifles, Evans Guard, and Colleton Guard, to remove the guns of Captain Chichesters battery~ which were bogged in the marsh at the causeway below Rivers. Arrived at Secessionville, it was reported to me by Colonel Lamar that our pickets had been driven in to ~ and that the guns were covered by the enemy. J reported this to the general, who ordered me to take my companies and drive him back until the fire of his boats obliged me to withdraw. I moved down to Rivers and found the picket force, consisting of the Beauregard Light In- fimtry and the Charleston Riflemen, at that point and the enemys advance in the pines just in their front. I ordered these companies to join my command, and formed my line at the head of the causeway, facing Legards; threw out the Marion Rifles, Captain Sigwald, as skirmishers, and ordered him to push on and draw the fire of the enemy. This was well and promptly done, the Marions soon occupy- lug the pines and the enemys skirmishers retiring. I crossed the causeway by flank and deployed on the other side, throwing my com- panies forward on the right, when we engaged the enemy warmly until, our fire becoming too severe, he fell back to the edge of the wood on this side of Legar6s old field. After a half hours firing in this position we moved into the wood and drove through, the enemy retreating across the old field to the houses beyond. Our way was now unobstructed, the enemy occupying the Legard houses beyond and the long hedge to the east of them, from which he poured in a strong fire, most of which passed entirely over ns. A regiment, which I afterward ascertained to be the Twenty- eighth Massachusetts, constituted his reserve, and was posted below the negro houses, a quarter of a mile to the south. I determined, by a rapid charge on the main buildings, to cut off the advance from this support, the only difficulty being that at Legar& s we would be open to the river and within a half mile. But I resolved to attempt it. Just at this period Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard with his command, about 124 strong, reported to me and I assigned him a position, and ordered the Evans Guard, Captain Gooding; Charleston Riflemen, Lieutenant Lynch; Irish Volunteers, Captain Ryan; Beauregard Light Infantry Page 30 ~3O COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST PtA. !CHAr. XXVL Captain White; Sumter Guard, Lieut. J. Ward Hopkins, and the Cal- houn Guard, Captain Miles, to perform this duty, while Lieutenant- Colonel Gaillard took command of the center and left as a reserve. It was well and nobly performed, 22 prisoners being captured, including a captain and sergeant, all of the One hundredth Pennsylvania iRegi- ment. The prisoners in our possession and the enemy driven back to his support (which promptly took position in and behind the row of negro houses) the boats opened a brisk fire on us, while we received our only damaging fire from the negro huts. I therefore ordered a retirement to the wood, which was performed in good order and under cover of the fire from our left, where the remainder of the Charleston Battalion, with three of my companies, were posted. I deemed it proper to retire the force beyond the causexvay to Rivers, where I took position by the generals directions. I would have retained the wood had I had a force sufficient to cover my right, which was open to the enemy and immediately under the fire of his boats. The following is a list of the casualties of the Beauregard Light Infantry, Pee Dee Rifles, and Evans Guard.* The report of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Gaillard, which is herewith forwarded, shows the result in his command, which makes our total injury sustained 17 wounded (1 of which was mortal) and 1 missing. Froni a prisoner captured on Saturday last 1 learned that Lieutenant Walker was not dangerously wounded and was doing well, being held a prisoner at Legareville. The same prisoner informs me that many of the enemy were wounded, 2 having since died, and that several were killed. He represents the regiment engaged to have been the One hundredth Pennsylvania, and the reserve to have consisted of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts and Forty-ninth New York. t The officers and men u~nder my command behaved with coolness and determined bravery. I have no special mention to make of any ~ne for distinguished behavior. Captain Cline surrendered his sword to Captain Ryan, of the Irish Volunteers, who now wears it as a trophy of his gallantry. To Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard and his gallant coin- mand I return my thanks for their prompt and efficient suI)port. The companies of the Twenty-fourth, after a long march and without break- fast, went into the action with spirit and snstaine(l it throughout. With gratitude to God for our success, I have the honor to be, col- onel, very respectfully and truly, .yonr obedient servant, ELLISON CAPERS, Lieutenant- Colonel Twenty fourth South Carolina Volunteers. Col. C. H. STEVENS, Comdg. Twenty-fourth South Carolina Vols. No. 4. Report of Lieut. Col. P. C. Gaillard, C. S. Army, commanding Charleston Battalion. HEADQUARTERS CHARLESTON BATTALION, Secessionville, S. C., June 6, 1862. SIR: Learning on Tuesday, the 3d instant, that you were engaged with the enemy at Legards, and that they were in larger force than * Nominal list omitted shows 1 officer (Lieut. A. J. Minis) and 8 men wounded. I The Union regiments were the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Eighth Michigan, and One hundredth Pennsylvania Page 31 Cifir. XXYI.J AFFATII AT PORT ROVAL PER1~Y, S. C~ 31 yourself, I assembled the five companies of my battalion (one, the Charleston Riflemen, being already with you) to re-enforce you. On reaching the scene of action and receiving orders I disposed of them as you directed. Soon after joining you called on me for three com- panies to join in a charge on the buildings occupied by the enemy, and the Irish Volunteers, Sumter Gnards, and Calhoun Guards were desig- nated for that duty, and well did they respond. By some misappre- hension a part of the Union Light Infantry also joined in the charge, but being more remote, had not reached the buildings when our forces were ordered to retire. I would here remark that the Charleston Riflemen, previously under your command, was designated by yourself as one to join in the charge. I joined in the charge also, but seeing you up with them, I fell back to take charge of the line in rear. I cannot iu consequence designate any particular officer or man as deserving special note, but so far as my observation went all behaved well. Those who remained in rear kept up a steady fire on the enemy until ordered to retire. It is dne to my battalion to state that the Charleston Riflemen had been on picket duty the day and night before, and the other five com- panies had been on duty the day before, and were not relieved until 3 oclock Tuesday morning. My adjutant, Second Lieut. Henry Walker, fell severely wounded near the buildings, and, I regret to say, could not be brought from the field (though a party did attempt it), and fell into the hands of the enemy. The following is a list of casualties in Charleston Battalion in skir. mish of June 3 : * I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. C. GAILLARD, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Charleston Battalion. Lient. Col. ELLISON CAPERS. JUNE 6, 1862.Affair at Port Royal Ferry, S. C. Report of Cot. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District of South Carolina. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRIcT, MoPhersonrille, S. C., June 7, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that a detail of 20 men of the Beaufort Artillery, under Capt. Stephen Elliott, as a boat party, sup- ported by 40 infantry of Company I, Eleventh Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Lieut. E. B. Layless commanding, and 15 of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, under Lieut. J. C. Warley, the support being under my immediate command, proceeded to the Port Royal Ferry on the night of the 6th instant and destroyed the flats which had been used by the enemy on the night of May29 in crossing the river to attack the railroad, wounded severely 2 of the enemys pickets, and set fire to the ferry-house. No loss upon our side. - I am indebted to Capt. Stephen Elliott, who is a sailor as well as a soldier, for the efficient organization of the expedition. He exhibited coolness, adroitness, and resolution in successfully carrying out his ~ Nominal list omitted sliows 8 enlisted men wounded and 3 missing Page 32 32 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EASI FLA. [CIIAP. ~CVT. plans. He with his boat party performed the most important and dan- gerous duty of the expedition. A few rounds of spherical ease were fired to sweep the causeway while the flats were being towed off, which had the effect of rousing the whole island. Capt. William Elliott, acting or(inance officer and Lieut. Ed. II. Barnwell, assistant adjntant- general, efficiently assisted me dnring the affair. Very rc~pectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Colonel, Commanding Third Military Di8triet. Maj. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General. JUNE 7, 1862.Skirmish on Johns Island, S. C. Report of Liout. R. W. Crawford, C. S. Army, First South Carolina Cavalry. CAMP WALKER, Johns Island, S. C., July 7, 1862. The following is a correct statement of the casualties of the pickets of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteer Cavalry in the skirmish with the enemy at their picket post on Johns Island, June 7: I was placed in command of the picket post at the fork of the roads leading to Legareville and flanlover Bridge, which picket numbered 26 men. Not expecting to be placed on picket when we left camp, we had not provided ourselves with forage and provisions, and consequently were reduced to the necessity of sending men back to each company to procure them, which, however, was not done withont the consent of the captain commanding the regiment, and which also reduced ns to 18 mcii. My orders when stationed there were to remain at the fork of the roa(ls with the main body of the picket, and to place two vedettes down each road 2 miles distant, with orders to report to me on the first appcaiaiice of the enemy, which was done immediately when the enemy app ared and fired on the vedettes on the Legareville road. I sent coururs tortuwith to report to Colonel Means (who with his regiment was oiulv 2 miles in the rear) and to the other command on the island, alol also a courier down the Haulover road for the two vedettes who were 2 miles distant, while I with the remaiiider of the pickets advanced down the Le~arevihle road and met the enemy, whose force I discovered to (OL sist of a company of cavalry and detachment of infantry (or men on loot). By concealing my force in the woods II managed to engage aiid detain him until my vedettes on the other road arrived, after which we ret reate(i in good order, firing as we went. The enemys cavalry, ~e1ceivlig that we were retreating, charged us, and three or four of my men lcft ah(l fled. Fortunately for them I do not know their names and ani unable to report them, as they justly deserve. The men were all strangers to me except three or four, as our companies had not been together hut a few days, and there were only two men from my own com- pany. 1 learn through Colonel Means that the three men that left me did miot stoJ) when they met him with his regiment, but ran through and I(i)ort& (l that the enemy, were just behind, which contributed to his nPstd kii g us for the enemy as he did, for he opened fire on us as soo Page 33 ChAP. XXYI.J SKWMISIL (IN JAMES ISLAND, S. C. 33 as we caiie in range, and we were then exposed to his fire and that of the enemy too. The following is a list of the casualties.* Knmber of horses killed, 7. iRespeetfully submitted. IL W. CRAWFORD, Lieutenant, Commanding Picket. JUNE 8, 1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. Report of Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, James Island, S. C., June 8, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that in obedience with your order a reconnaissance was made of our left np the road leading from Grim- balls plantation by the Forty-sixth Regiment New York Yolunte~s and a company of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, all under command of Colonel J. H. Morrow, of General Hunters staff. Our colummi pushed up as far as the church, which was examiiied last evening by Lieuten- ant-Colonel Hawley, Seventh Connecticut, and Lieutenant Lyons, of my staff, and meeting with a heavy force of skirmishers of the enemy it was deemed prudent to withdraw. Our loss was 2 killed and 5 woundedall of the Forty~sixth Regiment. The enemys position at Secessionville was observed from our right. A floating battery of two heavy guns was seen moved close to the vil- lage. Two guns on field or siege carriages were observed on the work on the left of Secessionville. About 4 oclock I directed Captain Stevens, of my staff; with a portiou of the Third New Hampshire to move across the causeway between our pickets and those of the enemy, and l)nshe(l forward to the road half a mile this side of the field work extending toward Newtons Cut. Accord- ingly the regiment was moved forward across the marsh and a platoon of cavalry was thrown across the field toward the wood on the left. Captain Donohocs company was deployed as skirmishers and advanced rapidly to the road beyond the house. A few rods this side the house they cal)tured a pick& ~t of 4 of the enemy, coining upon them unexpect- edly. On reaching the road the company was divided. The captain and one platoon were sent directly forward to examine the enemys rifle pits in front of the field work; the other platoon was sent up the road to the left. When the captain and his l)lat(x)n had advanced within 200 yards of the rifle pits the enemy opened fire npon them with one field piece planted some distance behind the rifle pit, firing once in three or fonr minutes. Soon after the floating battery opened with a well-directed amid well-sustained fire, but none of our men were touched. The recall was then given, and the force then withdrew in good order and safety. The other platoon had pushed up the road nearly a half mile when ordered to fall back. Shortly after our force fell back two or three battalions of the enemy were observed to be posted behind the hedges and rifit, pits in front of the field work. Oar men behaved remarkably well, both infantry and cavalry. They manifested the greatest alacrity and daring throughout. It RYOL XIY * Nominal list omitted shows 1 eniist~d man killed and S wounde~I Page 34 34 COASTS 01? S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [ChAr. XXVL The prisoners consisted of a corporal and 3 privates of the Charles- ton Rifle Volunteers; have been interrogated by Lieuten ant Wilson, who has taken down their information at length, and to whom 1 beg to refer you for further particulars. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. A. B. ELY, Assistant Adjutant- General. JUNE 89, 1862.Affairs on Johns Island. S. C. Report of Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Second Milita}~y District of South Carolina. HEADQUARTERS SECOND MILITARY l)ISTRICT, Adams Run, S. C., June 11, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that I attempted to attack the enemy at Bryans, on Johns Island, on the night of the 9th instant. Marching my forces within 3 miles of the bridge, I sent out a reconnoitering party to the bridge over Aberpoolie Creek, and after a thorongh survey of the house found the enemy had retired to Legareville and left a small) cavalry picket at the bridge. I ordered a company of cavalry to capture the picket. No report has been received yet. In this connection I regret to report that on the evening of the 8th instant, on retiring from the enemy, the cavalry pickets were fired into by a company of the Seventeenth Regiment, which resulted in wound- ing 4 men mortally, slightly wounding 4 others. This sad catastrol)he resulted from the fact that the first men retiring hallooed, Shoot the Yankees; they are jnst behind. As soon as the remainder approached our soldiers sent to support the picket fired into them with the above result. On the morning of the 10th instant, my infantry troops much wearied from exposure, I withdrew to the main-land, keeping six companies of cavalry and the Stono scouts on the islands. The approaches to the railroad are well guarded. I will keep the major-general informed of any movementsof the enemy. On the night of the 7th instant, on a reconnaissance, Captain Jenkins, of the Rebel Troop, shot and captured Private Patrick Hayes, of the First Massachusetts Cavalry. He refused to halt. When captured Jenkins shot him through. Attempting still to escape, his horse was immediately shot and the prisoner secured and brought to camp. He lingered twenty-four hours and died in our camp. He informed Captain Jenkins that Brig. Gen. Robert Williams, formerly of the U. S. Dragoons, commanded on James Island. The spirit with which the troops of my command underwent their severe exposure is worthy of the highest commendation. Without any food for twenty-four hours and in a drenching rain proves that they are ready to repel the foe. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. G. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. R. WADDY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Charleston, S. C Page 35 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON JAMES ISLAND, S. C. 35 JUNE 10, 1862.Skirmish on James Island, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. John L. Chatfield, Sixth Connectient Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade, First Division. No. 3.Capt. Francis M. Hills, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Horatio U. Wright, U. & Army. IIDQRS. U. S. FORCES, GRIMBALLS PLANTATION, James Island, ~. 0., June 12, 1862. CAPTAIN: 1 had the lioiior 011 the 10th instant* to inform you of an affiuir between our pickets and a force of the enemy, consisting of the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, supported by a reserve, the strength and character of which is not known. Since that time the report of the commander of the First and Second Brigades, First Division, and the report of casualties have been received, copies of which I inclose.t From the latter it will be seen that our loss was 3 killed and 19 wounded, 1 of whom has since died. The loss of the enemy nmst have been heavy, as we have buried 14 of his dead, and 6 of his wounded have been taken to our hospital, 2 of whom have since died. The enemy removed many of his wounded during the skirmish. The forces actually engaged in the affair wrere five companies of the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regimeiit, Colonel Quss commanding; two companies Forty-fifth Pennsylvania iReglinent, Captain Hills com- manding; two companies of the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, Captain McDonald commanding, and fonr pieces of Company E, Third U. S. Artillery, Captain Ransom commanding. The reserve of the artillery and the remainder of the pickets were not brought into actual conflict with the enemy. All the troops engaged conducted themselves in the most admirable manner, evincing great steadiness and coolness. At notimewasthelineofpicketsforcedback,andtherepulsewasso decided that the enemy did not venture to renew it. The naval vessels in the river kept np a continual fire over the heads of our men, and as their practice was excellent it must have occasioned much loss to the enemy~s reserves. We need have no occasion to doubt the reliability of our troops if they all behave as well under fire as did those engaged in this affair. Colonel Cuss, of the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, in im- mediate command of the pickets, and the officers and men of his regi- ment are entitled to special mention, as are the officers and men of two companies of the Forty-seventh New York and the two companies of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania actually engaged, and I need not say that the artillery sustained the well-earned reputation it enjoys. Captain Hamilton, chief of artillery, did excellent service with the infantry after his artillery was posted, and received a ball, which hap- pily occasioned only a slight contusion. From the vigor and persist- ence of the enemys attack I thought a general engagement imminent and had the forces disposed accordingly, but his attack in front was all he attempted. * See Foster to Benham of that date in Correspondence, etc., post. I Nominal list omitted Page 36 313 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL Acting Brigadier-General Williams took the command of the forces engaged after the picket were strengthened by the artillery and its supports. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. A. B. ELY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South, steamer Delaware. - No.2. Reports of Gol. John ii. Chatfield, Sixth Connecticut infantry, command. ing First Brigade, First Division. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., U. S. FORCES, James Island, S. C., June 11, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that yesterday afternoon six companies of the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, of my brigade, stationed as picket guard through the woods in front of the left of our lines, were attacked by a superior force of the enemy in front and upon the left flank and were compelled to retire, the outposts being driven in, which they did without loss. In a few minutes afterward the Ninety-seventh Pennsyl- vania Regiment, together with two companies of the Forty-seventh New York, posted as pickets on the edge of the woods directly in front, were attacked, and a sharp engagement followed, lasting some minutes, the enemy heing kept in check until the arrival upon the ground of the artillery. I would make especial mention of Colonel Guss, of the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, and the officers and men of his command, com- mending them for the admirable conduct and coolness they displayed throughout the entire engagement until the enemy were repulsed. I have to report the following casualties in the Ninety-seventh Penn. sylvania Regiment: Three men-killed and 7 wounded (4 slightly). Forty- seventh New York Regiment: Six men wounded. No official report of the engagement has as yet been received from the commanders of either of the above-named regiments except with regard to killed and wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. CHATFIELD, Col., Sixth 1i~egiment Connecticut Vols., Comdg. First Brigade. EDISTO ISLAND, S. C., July 12, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit the following report: Since the expedition to James Island my regiment has been in good condition. We were ordered from here on the night of June 1, taking three days rations and nothing but blankets, leaving all camp equipage behind. We crossed over to Seabrook Island, marching the next day o a point opposite Johns Island, where we bivouacked until 2 oclock on the morning of the 5th, when we marched across Johns Island in the midst of a very heavy rain-storm, with the mud knee-deep, reach- ing Legareville, on the Stono, a distauce of 15 miles, at 2 p. m. Page 37 ChAin xxvti ~lClllMIStI ON JAMES ISLAND, ~. ~. had beei; the day before assigned to the command of a brigade, coin- posed of the Sixth Connecticut, Forty-fifth, Seventy-sixth, and Ninety- seventh Pennsylvania, and Forty-seventh New York Regiments. On the 8th my colflmafl(l was divided into two brigades, there being assigne(l to me the Sixth Connecticut, Forty-seventh New York, and Nine~y-seventli Pennsylvania Regiments, the command of which 1 con- tinued to hold until our return here, when the expedition was broken up. On the ev~ing of the 8th and morning of the 9th we proceded up the Stono to Griinballs plantation, on James Island, about ~A miles from Charleston, where we landed in the face of a severe fire from the enemy. Our division made the left flank of the 1)osition, while General ~ division occupied the ground 2 or 3 miles to our right and cov- ering the position opposite Legareville, on Johns Island. Early on the evening of the 10th the enemy attacked ns in front, and were met by the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment and two com- J)anies of the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, of my brigade, who kept them gallantly in check until the arrival upon the ground of a portion of Hamiltons battery, supported by four companies of the Sixth Connecticut, soon after xvhich the enemy retired, leaving 17 dead and wounded upon the field. Things remained quiet until our attack on the enemys works on the morning of the 14th, when only two companies of the Sixth Connecticut were in the field, the balance of the regiment being on picket. It is needless to give you a descriptiou of the battle, though too much cannot be said in praise of the conduct of all the troops engaged, who fought so bravely while laboring under such fearful disadvabtages. VV e remained on the island until July 7, when we evacuated it en- tirely, to await re-cimforcements and a more favorable opportunity. There are four regiments stationed herethe Sixth and Seventh Connecticut and the Fifty-fifth and Ninety-seventh Pennsylvaniaall nuder the command of General Wright. This island is probably as favorable a location as we could obtain for preserving the health of the men, an(l I presume we will rem~ain here in summer quarters. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. CHATFIELD, Colonel, Commanding Sixth Regiment tionnecticut Volunteers. J. ID. W1LLJ~i~Is, Adjutant- General State of Connecticut. No. 3. Report of Capt. Francis If. Hills, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. DuAR Sin: Having command of the two companies (II and I) of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers engaged in the skirmish of the 10th instant, I submit you the following report: My command was stationed along the inner edge of the woods,. sup- ported on the right by a company of the Forty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers. At about 4.30 oclock the enemy made his appear- ance, driving in our outside picket andadvancing toward my command. The enemy in his advance kept up a continual fire, which was rapidly and furiously responded to by our men. He was compelled to retire, but again rallying advanced within 10 yards of us, when we poured a deadly and destructive fire among them, causing the utmost confusio Page 38 38 COASTS OF S. C., G X., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. ~CHAP. XXVI and again obliging them to fall back. This proved the final repulse, so no farther attempt was made to force us to yield our position. The casualty in my command was 1 mortally wounded. I cannot speak in terms of praise too high concerning the valor and coolness of my command. They stood the fire of the enemy, not yield- ing an inch of ground, and displaying the courage of veteran soldiers. Yours, respectfully, FIIANCIS N. JWLLS, Captain Company 1,45th Regt. Pa. Vols., Corn dg. Detachment. Col. THOMAS WELSH, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division. JUNE 12, 1862.Reconnaissance on Hutchinsons Island, S. C. Report of ]JJiaj. R. J. Je~1fords, Sixth Battalion South Carolina Cavalry. llDQn~. SIXTH BATTALION S. C. VOL. CAVALRY, Chisholmville, June 14, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I beg to report that on the night of the 12th instant I advanced in three boats with 105 men, being detachments from Cap- tains Miilligans, Smiths, and Davis companies, against the north end of liutchinson Island. From drums heard, I was confident the enemy were there. I approached the settlement and deployed as skir- misliers. Before the proper positions assigned had been obtained the negro watchman gave alarm, and a general rash was made to pass the skirmishers, when, after proper halting and warning, entirely disre- garded, I ordered mcii to fire before I discovered they were negroes. Some 10 were killed and 10 or 15 wounded. Satisfying myself they were negroes, which, fYom high brush, corn waist-high, and the dark- ness of night, was very (lifficult, I ordered the firing ceased. I closed up, and found some 125 negroes there, with various kinds of provis- ionssay corn, bacon, beef, & cdoubtless left them by the. enemy not being able to procure any transportation. I ordered fire t6 be ap- plied to the houses, which before I left had destroyed about every thing. A few muskets found were (lestroyed. The director or overseer, with his wife (the latter teaching the negroes), had left for Beaufort the day before. The enemy, some 200 in number, had left the island on Sunday previous. As gunboats were just below, and three of them moving up, and my retreat could have been cut off, I left the island so soon as all provisious, & c., were well destroyed. Three gunboats now Jie between Chapmans Fort aud ilutchinson Island, but seem to have no disposition to move up to the main-land. They were engaged some little time yesterday in shelling the island. I noticed planted some 250 acres of corn, 25 acres of potatoes, and 10 acres of peanuts, and was told cotton was planted in quantity higher up on the island. The fine condition of the planted crops indicates conclusively the direction of the negroes by some white person or persons. I shall make another move in a different direction in a day or two. I have the honor to be, re~pectfully, your obedient servant, II. J. JEFFORDS, Major Sixth Battalion S. C. Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Lient. B. II. BARNWELL, A. A. A. 61., Third Military District, MiePhersonvitle Page 39 flAP. XXVLi AFFAIR AT WHITE IIOUSE, S. C. 39 JUNE 13, 186g.Affair at Wliite House, near Hilton Head, S. C. IRIEPO RTS. No. 1.Lient. Col. James A. Beaver, Forty. fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 2.Maj. Christopher Blanding, Third Rhode Island Artillery. ~No.1. Report of Lient. Gol. James A. Bearer, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. HDQRs. OUTPOSTS, Grahwins, S. 0., June 14, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt or your corn- inunication of yesterday and to report the success of the expedition. In consequence of the time of the tides we were unable to commence operations until late in the evening. The gun was placed in position shortly before 6 p. m. and we immediately opened fire upon the house, throwing shells into it, all aronnd it, and very considerably beyond. The firing was very fine, and but for the fact that the fuses were alto- gether unreliable, and that from some defect in the gun some of the shells were thrown end over end, and thus fell short of the mark, every shot would have taken the effect desired. After shelling the premises for more than an hour I embarked with about 120 men in boats; effected a landing at the White House without opposition. The house is built upon an island which is connected ~vith the main-land by two causeways. Pickets were stationed at these causeways and a search instituted for boats. But one good boat was found, which was brought off. Three or four of no particular value were destroyed, and one large fiat was found with a board off the bottom and the ends broken out. After remaining about an hour and a halffearing that the tide would leave usthe buildings were fired, men embarked, pickets drawn in, and all safely returned. Major Blanding, of the Third Rhode Island Artillery. had the charge and oversight of the firing and had command at Buckinghiam Ferry during my absence on the opposite shore. To his good judgment and soldierly qualifications I desire to bear testimony. Officers and men behaved with remarkable coolness and circumspec- tion, showing that dependence may be placed in them in a time 01 actual danger and emergency. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES A. BEAVER, Lieut. Col. Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Oomdg. Col. W. W. BRowN, Commanding Post, Hilton Thad, S. 0. No. 2. Report of Maj. Christopher Blandin~q, Third Rhode Island Artillery. 0., 19, INTRENCIIMENT5, Hilton ITead S. June 1862. GOVERNORDEAR SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a small affair occurred here a few (lays since which, though of itsolf riot o Page 40 40 COASTS O~ S. C., GA., A~Th MTh, A~i~AST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL much importance, yet in its results quite so. After the departure of the Charleston expedition our force within the intrencliments of all arms did not exceed 600 effective men. Colonel Brown, in command of the post, felt quite anxious for the safety of the garrison and the immense amount of stores here, and I, as commander of the Third here and all the intrenchments, felt no less so; therefore I have been re- quired by the colonel commanding to visit all the outposts on this island once in two or three days. Last week on one of these recon- naissances I learned the enemy had been quite active on the main land at the White House, so called. The captain commanding the outpost furnished me a boat and 8 oarsmen for the purpose of visiting Piuckney Island, the nearest point to said house, where we had a small l)icket distant from the house about half a mile. On landing I discovered the enemy had increased their force there; had also collected a large number of boats, sufficient to cross 600 or 700 at one time; also estab- lished new pickets, all within two days; that they were constantly firing on our men and boats from the upper windows of the house, which, being three-story, gave them a decided advantage. On my return to camp I recommended the destruction of the boats and house by placing two 12-pounder howitzers on board of a steamer and shelling the place. But no steamer could be had, as the Charles- ton expedition had taken everything. I then prol)osed to the colonel to take a siege gun to the nearest point (which is Buckingliam Ferry, distant 1~ miles) and shell them from there, under cover of which fire Lieutenant-Colonel Beaver, of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, who com- mands the outposts. could cross and destroy the boats. Colonel Beaver very heartily entered into the arrangement. So the next morning I took a 30-pounder Parrott gun, drawn by 14 horses, 2 wagons for am- munition, forage, and plank to cross poor bridges, and a detachment, consisting of 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 2 corporals, and 22 privates, and marched from camp. I arrived at the scene of operations too early to commence, on account of the tide. I therefore masked my gun and wagons from the enemy until 5.30 p. in., when Colonel Beaver told me he was ready. I then opened fire. The third shell I put through the house (distant, as I said, about 2,500 yards), and the fourth and the fifth, having got the range exact, I shelled the woods and the road to Bluifton, and as the sun was about half an hour high Lieutenant-Colonel Beaver embarked in six boats from two different points with about 125 men. I con- tinued shelling until they had nearly reached the opposite shore, when I ceased firing and awaited the result. The sun went down; there was no moon, and it shortly became very dark, as there is no twilight here. For one hour and a half I looked anxiously to the opposite shore, at the expiration of which time a glimmer of light was seen, then another, and another, and in a few minutes the White House and out-buildings were in a brilliant blaze. The sight was a beautiful one. The heavens were lit np with a lurid glare which could be seen far inland, and the enemy were admonished how they commenced their operations under our very nose. In a few moments boats were seen, and a blue light told me they were our friends, as I had told Colonel Beaver I should fire upon any boats approaching without that signal. Reverses were providej for, but none occurred. I told Colonel Beaver I should bring that gun back and did so. I waited until the buildings were con- sumed, then limbered up and marched back to camp, which IL reached ~ little after midnight Page 41 ChAP. XXvT.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 41 I regret that I am unable to inclose Lieutenant-Colonel Beavers report, as it has gone to headquarters. When it returns I will forward a copy. The Parrott gull is a beautiful arm, but the projectile is faulty and not to be depended upon. About one shot in four would turn end over end. I endeavored to remedy it, and did in a measure by greasing them and packing the base with paper. The extreme range of the piece is about 4 miles, and very accurate when the projectile does not turn. I should have mentioned that after Colonel Beaver embarked I opened fire again and continued it until he had crossed. I have the honor to be Governor, your obedient servant, C. BLANDING, Major, Gomdg. Third P. I. Artillery, Hilton Head, S. C. His Excellency Gov. WILLIAM SPRAGUE, Providence, R. I. JUNE 15, 1862.Naval descent upon Saint ~arks, Fla. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding Depart. ment of Middle and East Florida. TALLAHASSEE, FLA., June 17, 1862. I have just returned from Saint Marks. The enemy shelled the light- house tor several hours; sent fire-boats on shore and burned the wood- work of the light-house and the keepers house adjoining, and burned all the buildings on the beach. I had a small picket guard at the light- house. No person hurt. The Seventh Regiment will proceed at once to Chattanooga. - JOS. FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va. JUNE 16, 1862.Engagement at Secessionville, James Island, S. C. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Return of Casualties ii the Union forces. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham, U. S. Army, commanding Noithern District, Department of the South. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 5.Col. John L. Chatfield, Sixth Connecticut Infantry, cornmandin~ First Brigade, First Division. No. 6.Col. Henry R. Guss, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 7.Col. Thomas Welsh, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, First Division. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 9.Col. William M. Fcnton, Eighth Michigan Infantry, commamding First Brigade, Second Division. No. 10.Lient. Col. Joseph H. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry. No. iLblent. Col. MacLelland Moore, Twenty.eighth Massachusetts Infantry Page 42 42 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXv!. No. 12.Licnt. Col. Frank Graves, Eighth Michigan Infantry. No. 1:3.Col. Daniel Leasure, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division. No. 14.Col. Rudolph Rosa, Forty-sixth New York Infantry. No. 15.Lient. Col. David Morrison, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry. No. 16.Maj. David A. Leckey, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 17.Col. Robert Williams, First Massachnsetts Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 15.Lient. Col. John H. Jackson, ~Third New Hampshire Infantry. No. 19.Capt. Alfred F. Sears, First New York Engineers. No. 20.Capt. Alfred P. Rockwell, First Connecticut Battery. No. 21.Maj. Edwin Metcalf Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. No. 22.Capt. Lucius M. Sargent, jr., First Massachusetts Cavalry. No. 23.Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina and Georgia. No. 24.Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces. No. 25.Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Second Military District. No. 26.Col. T. G. Lamar, First South Carolina Artillery. No. 27.Maj. David Ramsay, First South Carolina (Charleston) Battalion. No. 28.Col. S. D. Goodlett, Twenty-second South Carolina Infantry. No. 29.Cd. Johnson Hagood, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding advanced forces. No. 30.Lieut. Col. J. McEnery, Fourth Louisiana Battalion. No. 31.Col. C. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth South Caroliufa Infantry. No. 32.Lient. Col. Charles H. Simouton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry. No. 33.Lieut. R. A. Blum, Twenty- fifth South Carolina Infantry. No. 34.Capt. J. E. Adger, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry. No. 1. Reports of ]ifaj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTAIENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, 5. 0., June 23, 1862. SIR: On the 13th instant I had the honor of informing you that we had occupied the southwestern portion of James Island, on the Steno IRiver, within 5 or 6 miles of Charleston, intending to make a rush for the reduction of that city as soon as re-enforcements should arrive. As we failed in being able to make a coup de main on Charleston in consequence of our transportation not having been returned to us from the North, the enemy had time to throw strong. re-enforcetuents on James Island, rendering an advance with our existing force extremely hazardous. I therefore determined to make no forward movement, havingsatisfied myself by reconnaissances of the increase of the enemys strength; and on leaving the Stono to return to this point, where mat- ters affecting the safety of the comman(l in other portions of the depart- ment called for my presence, I gave positive orders to General Bemiham that no advance should be made until further explicit orders had beell received from these headquarters.* General B~nham disobeyed these positive orders and clear instructions, and the result, I deeply regret to say, has been a disastrous reptilse, only redeemed by the brilliant con- * See Inclosure No. 3 to Hunters report of June 27, p.46; see ~l8o 2P 9791015 Page 43 CriAr. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECE~SIONVILLE, S. C. 43 duct of the troops while en~aoed in the assault and their steadiness and patient courage when compelled to retire. I inclose herewith a copy of General Benhams report of his assault upon the enemys fortifications, as also of my orders forbidding that~ any such movement should be made. You will see that General Ben- ham endeavors to evade the responsibility of having violated his in-. structious by terming his attack upon the enemys works a reconnais- sance in force but such a plea is too puerile to deserve consideration.. Iu view of these circumstances amid the serious consequences whicliL have arisen from his disobedience I have felt it my duty to arrest Gen-- eral Benham and order him North by the steamer conveying this let- ter. This step has cost me much regret, as previous to this unhappy act of rashness he has been industrious, energetic, and wholly devoted[ to his duties. We still hold our former position, and shall continue to hold it so long as any hope of being enabled to make it useful by the receipt of re-enforcements shall remain. It is a most valuable point dappui for operations against Charleston, and should not lightly be abandoned.. From all the evidence reaching me, however, I am satisfied that Charleston has been heavily re-enforced of late, possibly by some bri- gades from the Army of Corinth; and the injudicious attack of Gen- eral Benham will doubtless contribute, both by its calling attentiou to the place and by the 6clat of the Confederate success there, to still further swell the number of its defenders. 1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. HUNTER, ]Jliajor- General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., June 27, 1862~ SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith letters of Brig. Gen. IL G. Wright and Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, with explanatory copies of the letter of Brigadier-General Benham, to which they refer, and my letter of instructions to Brigadier-General Benham, dated June 10; also copy of General Benhams report of the action of the 16th instant on James Island. You will see from the letters of General Wright and General Stevens that, in a council of war held on the evening previous to the attack, these officers, together with Colonel Williams, also commanding a bri- gade, remonstrated strongly and emphatically with General Benham, and warned him that he was about to fight a battle in vi6lation of orders. If consistent with the interests of the service, in your judgment, the publication, by transmission to Congress or otherwise, of this corre- spondence would~reatly aid in setting this department right before the country. I have the honor also to transmit herewith copy of my letter of in- structions to Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright, directing the withdrawal of our- forces from James Island to some more healthy location. The military reasons making this course advisable are fully set forth in the letter Page 44 44 COASTS Ot~ S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [OnAr. XXVI. and the increasing sick list from the command is another argument not to be overlooked. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfulLy, your most obedient servaiit, P. HUNTER, Major- General, Commanding. Hon. E. N. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James Island, C., Jun6 22, 1862. Maj. CHARLES G. HALPINE, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose a communication from Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens in reference to General Benhams letter of the 20th instant regarding our attack upon Secession rule. I fully indorse all that is said by General Stevens in his letter, and repudiate as eml)hatically as he has done for himself any attempt to use my name as favoring the operations of the 16th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IL G. WRIGHT, Brigadier. General, Commanding. [Sub-inclosure.] HDQRS. 1ST Div., NORTH. DIST., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Smiths Island, S. C., June 22, 1862. Capt. B. W. SMITH, A. A. A. G., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: CAPTAIN: I have received a copy of General Benhams communica- tion of the 20th instant in regard to the attack on Secessionville. I repudiate the nse he attempts to make of my name. On the evening before the battle, at a conference invited by him, and at which were present General Wright, Colonel Williams, and myself, General Ben- ham was most distinctly warned that under his orders we were going out to fight a battle. General Wright made the statement to General Benharn, and it was most positively and unequivocally concurred in by 1)0th Colonel Williams and myself. I was utterly opposed to the attack omi Secessionville on the morning of the 16th, and so expressed myself unequivocally in conference. I also understood unequivocally that General Wright and Colonel Williams were opposed to it. Much more might be said @n this subject, but I forbear. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, ISAAC I. STEVENS, Briga#~ier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] HILTON HEAD, S. C.~June 20, 1862. Capt. E. W. SMITH, Acting Assistant A1~jutant- General, Dept. of the South: SIR: As von did not mention the cause of my arrest last evening while notifying me thereof, yet, as I understood from my pzevious con Page 45 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. versatioi~ with General Hunter that it would be on the ground that I had disobeyed his Qrders against making an advance toward Fort Johnson or Charleston, I desire to J~y before him one or two consid- erations in relation to this matter which I think have an important bearing on the case, but which were not, I believe, brought to his notice in the conversation I had with him on the subject last evening; and while disclaiming, as it is true and my duty to myself to do, most fully and completely any other intention than that of carrying out his orders to the strictest letter, as it has always been my wish and my pleasure to do, I cannot avoid stating that it is as strongly impressed on my mind as possible that after the receipt of the written orders as to the disposition of the troops and the non-advance upon Charleston, upon the evening prior to hi~ leaving I showed him the map (as I have it here now with a line upon it) drawn from the church (where Colonel Morrows Mkirmish was) to the north of the isthmus, where the Seces- sionville tower and~ fort are, stating that as that fort shelled our upper camp I considered it indispensable that we should have and hold those points for the security of our camps and even for the occu- pation of the Stono. and that I understood him distinctly as assenting to and approving of my representation. But, more than this, and what I would respectfully ask his consideration of, in addition to the explanation I offered last evening, is the fact that the battery just in front of General Stevens advanced position was projected and being built to attack the fort at Secessionville before General Hunter left. and this was known to and as I understood approved of by him, and I could not but suppose that if I was authorized to construct such a work - to disable or destroy a fort whose fire covered our camps and failed in so destroying it (a work which I feared would be a good foundation for driving us from the Stono entirely) I should be fully authorized in taking it if possible by a direct attack; or,in other words, while only holding our present camps and without an advance toward Charleston I was authorized and expected, if it were possible, to keep the front of our camps clear of the works of the enemy far beyond cannon range, and beyond that range even on the day of the action I would not allow our troops to pass as was proposed by going farther to our left, because my object was simply to make secure the present position of our camps, which I considered it my duty to protect against the fire of the enemy. The orders of General Hunter I may say were made known to General Stevens and General Wright, and neither of them ever intimated or apl)eared to think that the reconnaissance upon the fort upon the 16th would be contrary to those ordersorders which I most heartily ap- I)roved and was most anxious to carry out. I may say in addition that the demonstration was made only after the fullest reasons for being assured of success and with the greatest aI)parent necessity for it. The deserters who arrived from Secessiouville gave information sep- arately, confirmed by prisoners taken on the day of the action and in part by our own officers who mounted the parapet, that the fort was only a common earthwork, without a stockade, and with abatis only in part; that it mounted only four to six guns, and that six or se~en more, with their carriages, were at hand ready for mounting, and that the garrison was not more than two battalions there and in Secessionville. Add to this the active operations which we could see and hear going on for strengthening and perfecting tIme work during the two days of our ineffective artillery fire upon it, with the fear that bomb-proofs would be erected, the additional guns mounted, and probably a stoikade aiul 4 Page 46 46 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. abatis soon completed, it appeare(l indispensable to make the effort at once to take it before it should be brought to its greatest strength, and though I did not doubt that 2,000 men would have amply sufficed, the large force was brought out that no doubt of success might exist. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, On board U. S. Transport Delaware, Stono River, S. 0., June 10, 1862. Brig. Gen. II. W BENHAM, Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South: SIR: In leaving the Stono River to return to Hilton Head I desire, in any arrangements that you may make for the disposition of your forces now in this vicinity, you will make no attempt to advance on Charleston or to attack Fort Johnson until largely re-enforced or until you receive specific instructions from these headquarters to that effect. You will however provide for a secure intrenched encampment, where your front can be covered by the fire of our gnn1~oats from the Stono on the left and the creek from Folly River on the right. After making all proper arrangements for the seenrity of the camp, and the necessary provisiou for quartermasters, commissary, and medical stores, if in your judgment you can safely leave the position you will return to your usual headquarters at Hiitoii Head, repoi4ing to me verbally the state of affairs here or, if delayed, reporting in writiug by each boat that may leave here previously. You will be especially careful to have the free communication established and kept up by th~ repairs ~f the cause- way between the old battery and Coles Island. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, Major- P. HUNTER, General, Commanding. [Inclesure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James [stand, 5. C., June 25, 1862. Col. D. LEASURE, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division: COLONEL: In your report * to General Stevens of the operations ot your brigade on the morning of the 16th instant, in the attack upon the enemys works at Secessionville, I find the following: t After I had formed my command behind the hedge, ready to move again to the at- tack, I rode down to the troops lying back half a mile in reserve behind a hedge, and begged them, for Gods sake, to come up to the front and support me in a charge and was very coolly told that these troops did not belong to my division and couhi not obey either my orders or General Stevens. Of course this was a very distant support, and I did not feel at liberty to take the responsibility of acting without orders of Gen- eral Stevens. I desire to know to what troops you refer as lying half a mile behind and to what officer you applied for assistance, and also whether you applied to your division commander; to Acting Brigadier-General Will- * See Report No. ~3. tNot found in No. 13. Original not on file Page 47 CHAP. XXVI.I ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 47 inins, whQ was acting with him, and who was seldom 150 yards behind the hedge first referred to; to myself, when near that hedge, where the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment was reformed, or to General Benham, who commanded the whole. You will understand, colonel, that troops on a field cannot be moved without proper orders, and that any appeal of yours, however correct, must have been useless unless made to some authority competent to give the order; hence the state- ment above quoted does great injustice to all fhe troops not of your immediate brigade, and requires that you should specify in the most distinct manner the officer in authority to whom you made the appeal -to which you refer. An early reply is desired, in order that the reports of the battle may be submitted without unnecessary delay. There were no troops, that I am aware of, as far as a quarter of a mile in rear of the hedge behind which you reformed your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. 0., June 27, 1862. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding U. S. Forces on James Island, S. C.: GENERAL: Hearing from Washington that there is no probability of our receiving re-enforcements, and it being all-important to provide for the health of the command in the sickly season approaching, I have determined to abandon James Island, in order that the troops may be placed where, in so far as practicable in this climate, they may be out of the way of malarious influences, and where the picket duty will not be so exhausting on our men as at present. In making this retrograde movement you will be governed by the instructions contained in my letter of the 19th instant, so far as they are applicable to this movement. You will, however, leave two regi- ments at North Edisto in addition to the one now there, remaining there yourself in command. The other regiments will be ordered to this place under Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, and will be here distributed. All the stores brought from the Stono and needed at Edisto will be transferred to the latter place. I send you the Vanderbilt, Locust Point, Ben Dc Ford, Potomac, & c., all towing schooners. Take your time, and do not allow the transports to be overloaded. If you think best you can march over Johns Island with the -two regiments for North Edisto. After the sick and stores and your firgt detachment have been embarked you will transfer all the remaining portion of your command to the right bank of the Stono at Legareville. The smaller steamers will of course be used in towing in and out the schooners, and as there need be no hurry, a few days delay for good weather will not be objectionable. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. HUNTER, Major- General, Commandin$TI Page 48 48 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CuAP. XXVI HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. (1., July 10, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: SIR: I have the honor of transmitting to you herewith duplicate of a letter addressed to me by Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, giving par- ticulars of the protest made by the council of war against General Ben- hams action in ordering the attack upon the enemys fortifications on James Island. You will see from it, in a full detail of the conversation which trans- pired, that all three division commandersGeiierals Wright and Stevens arid Colonel Williamsagreed with me in the opinion which had led me to issuing the order that no such attack should be made, and that all represented the movement as one almost impossible of accomplishment. General Benham, however, adds General Stevens, overruled all our objections, and peremptorily ordered the attack to be made. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. HUNTER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS STI~vENs I)IYJSION, Hilton Head, S. C., July 8, 1862. SIR: i desire to state briefly a few facts in relation to the operations of my division- at the battle of Secessionville, fought on the 16th of June,inrelation to which there is some strange misapprehension; to present some of my own views in relation to that affair, and some particulars of the conference held by General Benham with his general officers on the evening previous to the battle. 1. That conference was held with Generals Wright and Williams and myself. All were unmistakably opposed to the atteml)t, in the then condition of the enemys works, to take them by a coup de main, and so unequivocally and unmistakably expressed themselves. When General Wright was called on for his opinion he answered that he would make his reply in the shape of certain interrogatories to me, to which he de- sired answers. First nterrogatory. Have you impaired the strength of the enemys works at Secessionville by the firing of your battery? General Stevens answer. Not iu the least. I have drivemi the enemy from his guns bymy fire ~nd I can do it again, but as soon as the fire ceases he returns. I have not dismounted a gun, and we shall find him in the morning as strong as ever. Second interrogatory. Do you know of any instance where volunteer troops have successfully stormed works as strong as those which defend the approach to Secessionville? General ~ answer. I know of no such instance. Third interrogatory. Have you any reason to believe that the result in the present case will be difhweut in its character from what it has invariably been heretofore? General Stevens answer. I have no reason to expect a different result. It is simply a bare possibility to take the work. In this Generals Wright, Williams, and myself concurred. I then proceeded to state, with all i)ossible emphasis, my objections to his morning attack. I urged that it should be deferred to a much later period i14 the day; tl4at we should I~st shal~e the morale of ti Page 49 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 49 garrison, and endeavor to weaken its defenses by a continnous fire of the battery and of the gunboats; that in the mean time we should care- fully survey the ground and prepare our troops, and make the attack when the battery and the boats had had the desired effect. I closed by saying that under such circumstances I could do more with 2,000 men than I could with 3,000 men iu the way he proposed. General Wright, moreover, warned General Benham that his orders were in fact orders to fight a battle. In this General Williams and myself in express terms concurred. General Benham, however, overruled all our objec- tions, and peremptorily ordered the attack to be made. I assured him, as did the other gentlemen, that he should rely upon my promptitude and activity in obeying his orders, but I considered myself as obeying orders to which I had expressed the strongest possible objections, and I therefore determined there should not be the least want of energy or promptitude on my part. 2. It has been charged that I was behind time. This is not true. I was exceedingly prompt ud up to time. The orders were to move at 4 oclock. My division was formed at 2 oclock, and was at the outer J)ickets before 3.30 oclock. It was a very dark and cloudy morning. I moved at 4 oclock. It was so dark that one man could not follow another except at very short intervals. It was much darker than on usual starlight nights. My men were at the enemys works about 4.30 oclock, and the conflict of twenty-five minutes, so dreadful in its casu- alties, was over, and the men returned at 5 oclock. Porters section of Rockwells battery advanced to the hedge within 500 yards of the enemys works with the troops of Fentons brigade; fired above 100 shots from his two guns; was joined in the midst of his fire by one piece of Sewards section (a rifled gun), which fired 26 shots, and the three guns were withdrawn to the second hedge and actually there reopened fire at 5 oclock. The watch was actually consulted by one of Rockwells sergeants at the very moment, and it was exactly 5 oclock. In my official report I have stated that the sharp conflict was from 5 to 5.30. I am perfectly satisfied that it occurred between 4.30 and 5. The men moved very rapidly from the pickets to the workmuch of the time at the double-quick, and they moved that distance in about half an hour. 3. It has been stated that my regiments were not within supporting distance of each other. This is a great mistake. They followed each other closely. There was not a pause in the movement. They entered successively under fire without hesitation. - They entered necessarily in the following order: Eighth Michigan, Seventh Connecticut, Twenty- eighth Massachusetts, Seventy-ninth (Flighlanders), One hundredth Pennsylvania, and Forty-sixth New Yorji. They moved at first by the flank on the road to avoid ditches and hedges and the rough cotton- furrows, and they necessarily marched one behind the other. As they came into the field before the work they pushed forward by regiments into line of battle and entered the close fire. I have mentioned how Rockwells battery pushed up. Quite a numn- ber of the Eighth Michigan and Seventy-ninth (llighlanders) gained the ditch and parapet of the work. All the regiments pushed close up to the work, and more or less men of each made lodgments at the marsh and abatis on either side. The Seventy-ninth llighlanders went into fire the fourth regiment. They passed by the Seventh Connecticut and 4 R RVOL xi Page 50 50 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [Ciix~. XXVI. the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, and actually supported at the para- pet, as every one admits, the Eighth Michigan. They passed those regiments, too, within less than 200 yards of the enemys work. The ilighianders have been in many battles and skirmishes, are very expert in drill, and are indeed old soldiers. If they were in supporting distance certainly the Seventh Connecticut and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts were, but the terrible fire of grape, canister, and inns- ketry from the front, and the rifle-fire of sharpshooters from the flanks, poured upon che several regiments as they were passing on in line to the very neck of land on which the enemys work is situated, and which is stated by them to be only 30 yards wide. Large portions of each regiment were thus thrown on the marsh on either hand and were unable to go forward. The succeeding regiments in pushing forward became intermingled with them, and the only alternative was to retire the regiments to reform them. The very thing happened which is to be feared in such an attempt. When it is recollecte(l that in twenty five minutes every one of ray regi- ments passed the advanced hed ~ e, pushed clear up or nearly clear up to the (litch, made the best fight they could, and were withdrawn by my positive orders to the same advanced hedge again, losing over 500 men, every regiment suffering largely and two regiments terribly, there can be no doubt but they followed each other closely. The fault is not in my orders or arrangements, but in having a fight there at all under such circumstances. 4. So rapid and prompt were the operations of my division that T was hard at work reforming my troops before Williams advance came in sight, and I was afterwards ready with all my battalions iii line of battle to move to the assault of th~ works time second time whenever General Benham should give the order. This I announced to General Benham by Captain Elwell, his aide, an(l by officers of my own staff. At this very juncture General Ben- ham withdrew Williams, and, as stated in my official report, at a sub- sequent period ordered me to withdraw. 5. All the above facts I can establish by the most incontrovertible testimony. I have entered the service with the earnest purpose of doing my duty, and submit the above statements t& show that I was prompt and faithful to my orders on the day of the 16th. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER, Comdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C. Page 51 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 51 Ko. 2. Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged at sSecessionville, James Island, S. (3., June 16, 1862. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a Q Command. S S S ,~ Remarks. ,~ a a ~ a ~ ~ a .~ P ~~ a o ~ a ~ a ,~ p~ ~ ~ 0 en 8 e~ 0 ~1 0 ~ 0 ~ 7th Connecticut 2 1st Massachusetts Cay- airy (detachment). 28th Massachusetts --- 8th Michigan 2 3d New Hampshire 1 1st New York Engineers 1 (detachment). - - 46th New York 79th New York 1 45th Pennsylvania. 97th Pennsylvnnia 100th Pennsylvania 1 3d Rhode Island Heavy I Artillery (detach- ment). 8 46 8 1 5 8 8 2 10 5 2 5 2 1 68 3 48 110 88 2 16 62 1 2 31 28 1 1 4 8 15 2 9 34 1 6 8 82 3 67 184 104 3 33 110 1 3 48 45 9 98 28 459 2 87 683 Capt. Edwin S. Hitchcock and Lient. Thomas Hooton killed. Capts. Benjamin B. Church and Simon C. Guild killed. Capt. Ralph Canton killed. Lieut.Ferdinand Sehrtkilled. Lieut. James Kiunear died of wounds June 18. Lient. Samuel J. Morrow killed. Iieut. Erasmus S. Bartholo- mew died of wounds June 17. NOTEOf the numher reported wounded, 3 officers and 40 meu fell into the hands of the Confed~ orates. No. 3~ Report of Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, Department of the South. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DIST., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Left bank of the Stono, Grimballs Plantation, June 16, 1862. GENERAL: YOU will recollect that in our last intercourse upon the subject, before you left the Stono River, upon the 11th instant, you approved of my representations for the security of our present camps here on James Island; that it was indispensable that we should destroy or capture the fort and floating battery of the enemy at Secessionville. For this there appeared no alternative, as these batteries covered with their fire tile whole of the position and camps of General Wright on our left and the advanced post of General Stevens on our right, and as these were the only or the lower positions that secured a footing upon the main portion of James Island and a direct route on firm land to Fort Johnson, which, when required, gave us the command of the city and harbor of Charleston. There was, therefore, constructed within the last four or five days a battery of two Parrott and one James gun near the l)oint in front of General Stevens command. This opened fire upon the fort and hul Page 52 52 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. battery at Secessionville on the 14th instant, continuing it upon the 15th, when the guns of the hulk were silenced, it having once been set on fire by our shells. As the fort appeared uninjured, however, and it was evident that extensive works were being constructed in the interior for covering the men and the gnus, the fort being apparently made much stronger every day, I deemed it important that a reconnaissance should be made in force at the earliest l)racticable period, with the object, if it were successful and the fort not too strong, of capturing and holding the same. For this purpose I arranged last evening that a large part of the command of General Stevens, or about 3,500 men, and four guns of Rockwells battery should lead the advance of that reconnaissance this morning, starting at 4 oclock from a l)osition previously secured in our front picket line, while it was to be supported on the left with large detachments of General Wrights and Colonel Williams command, or about 3,100 men, with six guns of Hamiltons battery. I myself accoin- panied the latter command, which left this place at the appointed time, between 3 and 4 oclock a. m. By the reports made to me I learn that the command of General Stevens were well placed in the positions assigned them with great silence and secrecy between 2 and 3 a. ni., and that at al~ut the hour appointed, 4 oclock they moved forward rapidly, capturing the ad- vanced pickets, a lieutenant and 4 men, and by 5 oclock were imine- diately in front of the fort, by a rapid march of iiearly 2 miles. The head companies of the leading regiment, the Eighth Michigan, closely followed by those of the next, the Seventy-ninth New York (Highland- ers), and the balance of those regiments then rushed up to and upon the parapet of the fort, in rear and in support of which were the Twenty- eighth Massachusetts Regiment and the Seventh Connecticut; bn tthe destructive fire from the fbrt and from the large masses of infamitry be- hind dikes and hedges on the flanks and in rear of the fort cut down the leading men and officers, and after the advance held the position close upon the fort for some fifteen or twenty minutes the order to re- tire and reform was given, whicl~ was done in good order, a portion of our dead being brought off, though followed by heavy discharges of musketry and grape, and the regiments all reformed behind a dike some 500 yards from the fort, and the firing continued from this l)Oint, simp- ported here by Rockwells Connecticut battery, which was most admi- rably served. During this time the left wing, under General Wright, the advance of which was led by Colonel Williams, of the First Massachusetts Cav- alry, with ~ and Ransoms guns, were pushed rapidly amid gallantly forward, and the enemy on our left flamik with a battery of field guns were driven forward about I mile in advance of our line of pickets, amid the left flank of General Stevens was completely covered and protected, while a portion of this force or nearly one-half; was sent forward to support General Stevens. After a protracted firing across the marsh on our left and the open space in front of the fort until about 9 oclock a in., it was found that our infantry, supported by our field pieces only, could not make any marked impression on the fort, and as amiy further attempt upon it in broad daylight, with several hundreds yards of this open space in front,. would have caused a useless sacrifice of life, and as the main object of the reconnaissance was accomplished in ascertaining the nature of the fort and the position in front on our right, as also the character of the ground in advance of our left as far as may be necessary to secure ou Page 53 CHAP. XXVI.) ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 53 camps here, I ordered the withdrawal of the troops, which was done with the greatest regularity and in most admirable order, all of our dead and wounded, except, perhaps, a few of those who fell upon the parapet and in the ditch of the fort, having been previously sent to the rear. Throughout the whole of this affair I have great pleasure in re- porting that the gallantry and good conduct of General Wright and Colonel Williams, directly under my eye, as also that of the several regi- ments engaged on the left wing, wa~ most admirable; while the careful arrangement and skillful disposition of the forces of General Stevens, guided as they were by his own cool courage in action, supported as he was by some of the best troops in the service, have mainly contributed to the success of this reconnaissance and the safe and orderly return of our forces. The details of the action with the notices of the several officers and men deserving special praise I shall submit as early as thu reports can be obtained from the respective commanders. The casualties to the command I regret to say are quite serious as to number and character. From the reports so far as obtained they are in General Stevens command as follows: Seven officers and 46 men killed, 14 officers and 307 men wounded, and 2 officers and about 150 men missing (more than one-half of which last number it is expected will return to camp), the expected total loss being about 450. Of Gen- eral Wrights and Colonel Williams commands there are reported so far (I have not been able to get the details as yet) about 150 in all, killed, wounded, and missing. Of these manyperhaps some 40 or 50were, I fear, duplicated, by the fact that many of the wounded of General Stevens command are in the hospital of General Wright, so that I doubt not the entire casualties will be much within 600 as a total for killed, wounded, and missing.* I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER, Commanding Department of the Somtth, flulton Head, S. C. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gem. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Ar my, commanding First Division. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, NORTH. DIST., DEPT. SOUTH, James I8land, S. C, June 18, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to present the following report of my divis- ion in the action of the 16th instant: Before proceeding to describe the part taken by the troops under my immediate command it is important, and indeed indispensable, that the plan of operations as determined upon by Genemal Benham, and distinctly laid down by him, regarding the entire fin-ce brought into the field should be explained. This is essential to a coin plete under- standing of the part taken by and the disposition mna(le of the various commands in the action. * See revised statement, p. 51 Page 54 54 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. According to this plan the division of General Stevens was to form the assaulting column against the enemys works at Secessionville, and, being formed in the utmost silence at his outer pickets, was to move forward at the first break of day upon the enemys batteries, while the remainder of the troops, comprising Williams brigade and a part of my division, moving together from the camp at Grimballs, were to act as a support to General Stevens, protecting his left and rear from au attack of the enemys forces from that direction. So important was the duty assigned to this covering force deemed, and so convinced was General Benham of the probability of an attack from that direction that he ordered, in the event of the repnlse of Stevens th troops should not renew the assault. , at the covering The parts to be performed by the two columns were therefore well defined and distinctly understood; that of General Stevens was to assault and carry the works at Secessionville; that composed of troops of General Williams brigade and my division was to cover the assault and protect it froru attack on the left and rear. The organization of the left column having been left with me I added to the brigade of Williams the Ninety-seventh Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers and one section of Hamiltons battery, and arranged the force as follows: First. Third Rhode Island, five companies; secohd, Third New Hamp- shire, ten companies; third, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania, six compa- nies; fourth, Company E, Third Artillery, one section. Acting Briga- dier-General Williams brigade. Fifth. Sixth Connecticut, two companies; seventh, Forty-seventh New York, eight companies. Colonel Chatfields brigade. Eighth. Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, six companies; ninth, First New York Volunteer Engineers, three companies. Colonel Welshs brigade. Tenth. Artillery, two sections. Eleventh. Cavalry, two squadrons. The remaining troops were left in camp and on picket duty, from which they could not be withdrawn without compromising the safety of the camp and depot. Orders were issued to call the men at 2 a. m. and have them in line for marching at 3 a. m. All this was accom- plished, and at the appointed hour the column was in motion, and pro- ceeded to and formed under cover of the woods, about 1 mile in advance of our camp, to await information of the advance of General Stevens column, s had been agreed upon. Prior to receiving such intelligence, however, a few stray shots on our right and to our front indicated that General Stevens command was advancing, and without waiting further the column was at once pushed forward. By this time daylight was upon us, but as the morning was dark and cloudy objects could not be clearly discovered to any considerable distance. II should remark here, that just after or about the time I gave the order for the advance from camp I was joined by General Benham, who assumed the command of the column and who retained it during the action, leaving me responsible for a division only. Moving rapidly to the front, I formed my conunand partly behind a hedgerow parallel to the front of the enemys works, partly a little in rear, and brought up two pieces of artillery to open upon the enemy, and then proceeded to the front to ascertain exactly the condition of affairs there. I should have stated that soon after the column was put in motion from the woods, whereit had been halted, a messenger came from General Stevens to say that he was advancing, and before we had reached our position a message from General Stevens asking immediate suppor Page 55 ChAr. XXVII ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, s. c. 55 was answered by an order from General Benham to Acting General Williams to report to General Stevens with his command. This was a change in the original programme by taking from the covering column the brigade under Williams and adding it to the assaulting column. On reaching the front I found that the command of General Stevens was falling back; that a portion had been reformed behind the ad- vanced hedgerow; that the ~inety-seventh Pennsylvania was behind the same hedge on the left of General Stevens, and that the Third New Hampshire and Third Rhode Island, which had been pushed well up to our left of the enemys works and on the left of the marsh, were hotly engaged and under a cross-fire from the works and from a force of the enemy (artillery and infantry) on our left, in a low growth of bushes, which covered them from view. The performances of these regiments and their gallant bearing under a most destructive fire will be detailed by their immediate commander, General Williams, and I refer to them at all only with a view to their connection with the movements of the rest. To silence the fire on our left just referred to and to be able to resist more promptly any attack from that point a section of Hamiltons bat- tery was brought into the field to the left of the marsh and opened on the enemy, and the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, of Colonel Chatfields brigade, was also brought forward and formed in line of bat- tle to the left in face of the low growth of bushes to which I have alluded, a movement which was executed with t~e most admirable cool- ness and in perfect order. The fire of our battery soon silenced that of the enemy, which was not resumed. The other troops of my com- mnand maintained their original position through the entire engagement, except the Volunteer Engineems, who by my direction changed front forward to the left, to cover the approach in that direction. Although not actuaLly engaged with the enemy the troops of my com- mand were constantly under the fire of the enemys artillery, which was at times very warm, and which was borne most unflinchingly by officers and men, who were anxious to be brought up face to face with the enemy. The conduct of officers and men was deserving of all praise. To Captain Hamilton, Third Artillery, chief of artillery of the left column, I desire to express my obligations for the judicious management of the artillery, which had much influence in subduing the fire of the enemy, and to the various members of my staff, Col. E. W. Serrell, Volunteer Engineers, chief engineer; Capt. C. W. Foster, assistant adjutant-general; Captain Goodrich, assistant quartermaster; Lient. F. A. Sawyer, acting brigade commissary; Lieutenants Hayden and Hubbell, aides-dc-camp; Mr. Darlington, volunteer aide-dc-camp, and Capt. J. M. Rice, of General Hunters staff; but serving with me as a volunteer aide, I desire to ac- knowledge the prompt and satisfactory discharge of the various duties assigned them. The troops of the entire column left the field in the most perfect order, the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania bringin~ up and covering the rear as far as our front line of pickets, where it was halted, and remained in position till all prospect of an attack on the part of the enemy had passed away. The withdrawal from the field of both columns was ordered by General Benham. Accompanying this are the reports of Colonels Chatfield and Welsh, commanding brigades. Very respectfully, you obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 56 56 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. tOHAP. XXVI. No. ~. Report of Cot. John L. Ohatfield, Sixth Connecticut Infantry, command ing First Brigade, First Division. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST Div., U. S. FORCES, Grimballs Plantation, 5. 0., June 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the lion or to report, for the information of the gen- eral commanding, that, in accordance with previous instructions from the division headquarters, my brigade, composed of two ~ompanies of the Sixth Connecticut Regiment and the Forty-seventh New York Regi- ment (the remaining eight companies of the Sixth Connecticut beiiig left behind on picket duty and the Ninety-seve~it1i Pennsylvania Regi- ment being assigned to the command of General Williams), was formed in line at 3 a. m. this day, and took up the line of march, as assi ~ned, in rear of General Williams command. I moved forward about a fourth of a mile beyoiid onr line of pickets, when I formed in line of battle, and in that Or(ier moved forward in support of our artillery nutil within about 800 yards of the enem~ s position, where we lay under a galling fire from their battery for over an hour, after which I was ordered to move the Forty-seventh iNew York Regiment forward in support of Gen- eral Williams column, which I did, accompanying it myseW forming line of battle to the left and abont 500 yards in rear of the enemys main work, where we remained for half an hour, throwing skirmishers for- ward into the woods. We were then again ordered to the rear of our artillery. We remained here but a fe~v moments, when we xvere once more ordered forward to the former position, which having taken and again thrown out skirmishers we were immediately ordered to the rear of our artillery, and soon after to retire and take up a l)OsitiOn in front of our line of pickets. This being accomplished, we were soon ordered back to our old position in camp in rear of our intrenchments. I have the honor to report that the officers and men of my command conducted themselves with the greatest coolness. I had occasion several times to execute different movements with the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, and although done nnder a galling fire from the enemy, all the movements were accomplished with the greatest facility, the men acting calmly and without any excitement. I have also the pheasure to report that there were no casualties what- ever in my command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. CHATFIELD, Colonel Sixth Regiment Connecticut Vols -, Comndg. Brigade. Capt. C. W. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 6. Report of Cot. Henry R. Guss, iVinety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. HDQRS. NINETY-SEVENTH REGT. PA. VOLS., James island, S. C., June 18, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of Brigadier-General Williams the following report of the part sustained by my regiment in the reconnaissance of June 16: On the evening of the i 5th an order was received to prepare one days cooked rations, which was accordingly (lone. At 3 oclock on the morning of the 16th the regiment was formed o Page 57 CHAP. XXVtI ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 57 its color line and in a few minutes thereafter moved forward, followed by two pieces of Captain 1{ansoms battery, Third U. S. Artillery. About 4 a. m. the line was formed in the corn field on the east of your headquarters, awaiting orders. Shortly after a heavy artillery fire opened on the right and in the advance, upon which the column of which we formed a part was ordered forward. After filing through the woods I deployed the Ninety-seventh into line of battle, and ad- vanced steadily across an open field to a hedge, in front of which was a deep swamp. This was crossed without delay, no~, however, without being exposed to a severe fire of grape and shell from I he enemys bat- teries and fort. Taking a position behind another hedge I awaited further orders. We were next ordered to advance and support a small force of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was hold- mo a ditch about 500 yards from the enemys large fort. This position b we occupie(l for about one-half hour. We were then ordered to file through an open country across a very deep and difficult morass and take up a position that would cover the yetirement of time infantry that had been engaging the enemys right. This was accomplished in good order. Skirmishers were thrown out into the woods on the left and around and beyond the houses on the right. This advanced l)osition was maintaine(l by the Ninety-seventh until the final order to retire, which was done in perfect order and in a deliberate manner, bringing up at the same time the rear of the whole (livision. My regiment consisted of but six companies, two companies being on detached service and two others on picket and not drawn in. The regiment, although exposed io showers of grape and canister and at one time to a converging fire from a battemy on time left and the fort on the right, with a gunboat (Iropping shell around us, lost, I am happy to say, but one man, Gabriel Spence.* Be was a member of the baud, and was engaged in collecting the wounded, and is supposed to have been killed. The officers and men of my command alike exhibited a praiseworthy coolness and courage. To mention the name of one would be doing injustice to the rest; each man did his duty. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY B. GUSS, Colonel, Comdg. Ninety-seventh Regt. Pennsylvania Vols. CHANNING CLAPP, First Lieut. Mass. Cay, and A. A. A. 6~. No. 7. Report of Col. Thomas Welsh, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, coin manding & eond Brigade, First Division. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG, FIRST Div., U. S. FORCES, James island, $. C., June 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc- tions from Brigadier-General Wrights headquarters, received last evemi- ing, the troops composing my commandconsisting of six companies of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under command of Maj. J. N. Kilbourne; five companies of Colonel Serrells Volunteer Engineers, under the command of Major Butts, and eight companies of the Seventy-sixth ifegirnent Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by * Bat see revised statement, p. 51 Page 58 58 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. R~IAP. XXVI. Colonel Powerwere in readiness to move at 2 a. m. this morning. Colonel Powers battalion was then detached, by instructions of the brigadier-general commanding, and ordered to the left, for the purpose of guarding the camp near headquarters. I proceeded with the rest of my command to the field beyond the woods in front of our camp, when, receiving orders to hold my command as a reserve to the forces engaged with the enemy, I immediately directed Major Kilbourue to form line of battle facing to the enemys works, directly in front an(l to the left of the road, the battalion of Volunteer Engineers under ~Major Butts forming line facing in the same (lirection and about 50 yards to the rear of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. The posi- tion of the battalion was soon after changed, facing to the woods on our left, and, with the battalion o[ the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, forming an angle facing to the front and to the left. We remained in this positiou until our forces returned to camp, Major IKilbournes battalion marching in rear to the wood, in rear of which it took position and remained under my immediate command to check any advance they might be disposed to make. No enemy appearing, at 1 p. m. I returned with the battalion to camp. I commend the officers and men of the entire command for their cool- ness and good conduct during the affair. The only casualties in the command were Private , of Company Volunteer Engineers, killed, and Private , of same company and regiment, severely wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. WELSH, Colonel Forty-fifth Regt. Pennsylvania Vois., Comdg. 2d Brig. No. 8. Report of Brig. Gen. isaac I. Stevens, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. IIDQRS. 2D Div., NORTH. DIsT., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, James Island, S. C., June 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my division in the action of the 16th instant: * The instructions of Brig. Gen. II. W. Benhatn, who commanded the forces, were to form my entire division before the break of day, in secrecy and silence, at the outer pickets, and at break of day, say about 4 oclock, to move rapidly upon the enemys works at and about Seces- sionville, with the view of carrying them by coup de main, in this attack it was arranged that all the available forces of General Wrights division and Williams brigade were to move to its support as soon as the fire from my attack was heard. In the event that the attack proved suc- cessful the other operations of the day were to be determined by the circumstances of the occasion. My command was all in order of battle at 3.30 oclock at the outer pickets, the head of my column being within rifle-range of the advance position of the enemy. The First Brigade, Colonel Fenton command- ing, consisting of the Eighth Michigan, Lient. Col. Frank Graves com- manding; the Seventh Connecticut, Lieut. Col. J. B. Hawley command- ing, and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Lient. Col. M. Moore com- manding, being in front, and the brigade of Colonel Leasure, consisting of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, Lient. Col. 1)avid Morrison com * See also inelosure to Hunters report, July 10, p. 4 Page 59 CHAr. XX~L.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLI3~, S. 0. manding; the One hundredth Pennsylvania, Maj. David A. Leckey commanding, and the Forty-sixth New York, Col. Rudolph Rosa com- manding, being in support. A storming party, consisting of Companies C and F, commanded by Capts. Ralph Ely and Richard N. Doyle, of the Eighth Michigan Regiment, was in the advance, followed by Com- pany E, Serrells Engineers, Capt. Alfred F. Sears commanding. Four guns of the Connecticut Light Battery, Capt. A. P. Rockwell command- ing, followed the First Brigade, and Company H, First Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. L. M. Sargent commanding, followed in rear. The strictest orders were given to maintain the most perfect silence; for each regiment to follow the preceding regiment within supporting distance, and to rely exclusively upon the bayonet in encountering the enemy, resorting to firing only in case of manifest necessity. At the break of day, or about 4 oclock, it being a dark and cloudy morning, the entire command was in motion. My aide-de-camp, LicuL Benjamin R. Lyons, with a negro guide, was at the head of the storm- ing column. My aide-de-camp, Capt. W. T. Lusk, guided the Twenty- eighth Massachusetts. The command pushed forward, surprised and captured the pickets at the house occupied by them, entered the fields beyond, and as they caine within the effective range of grape and inns- ketry pushed forward into line of battle, and the en tire Eighth Michigan Regiment, at about 100 yards from the enemys works, the main body being preceded only about 40 feet by the two storming companies, re- ceived his fire of grape, musketry, and canister. At this period of time the entire three regiments of Fenton had passed the hedge some 500 yards from the enemys works, and I was engaged in directing the attacking and supporting force of Colonel Leasure. They were ordered to keep to the left and push up to the work, regiment following regiment, as in the case of Colonel Fenton. Up to this period not a shot had been fired, although 5 men of the Eighth Michigan had been wounded by the pickets, who were surprised and captured. The firing now became general and continuous in front. The advance of the Eighth Michigan was on the parapet. The light battery of Rock- wells was immediately pushed to the front, and took its position at the second hedge, and the Highlanders, led by Morrison, seeing the hot fire to which the Eighth Michigan was exposed, pnshed forward at the double-quick, and moving from the left to the right of the field entered a narrow opening, gained the parapet to the right of the point reached by the Eighth Michigan, and shot down the enemy whilst serving the guns. The front on which the attack was made was narrow, not over 200 yards in extent, stretching from the marsh on the one side to the marsh on the other. It was at the saddle of the peninsula, the ground nar- rowing very suddenly at this point from our advance. On either band were bushes on the edge of the marsh for some little distance. The whole space at the saddle was occupied by the enemys work, imprac- ticable abatis on either hand, with carefully prepared trous de-loup 011 our left and in front a ditch 7 feet deep, with a parapet of hard-packed earth, having a relief of some 9 feet above the general surface of the ground. On the fort were mounted six guns, covering the field of our approach. The whole interior of the work was swept by fire from the rifle pits and defenses in the rear, amnl the flanks of the work itself amid the bushes lining the marsh on either hand were under the fire of riflemen and sharpshooters stationed in the woods and defenses lying between the work and the village of Secessionville Page 60 60 COASTS OP S. C., GA., ANI MID AND EAST FLA. tOhIAP. XXVI, It will thus be seen that the whole front was scarcely enough to deploy a single regiment. Colonel Fenton, iii command of the First Brigade, used every exertion to throw the Eighth Michigaii as far to the right as possible and to bring on in support the Seventh Connecti- cut and Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, but the terrible fire of grape and musketry cut the two former regiments in two, the right going to the right an(l the left to the left, whither finally the whole of~ the Twenty- eighth Massachusetts took position, and where they were joined with scarcely an interval of time by the One hundredth Pennsylvania and Forty-sixth New York, of Leasures brigade. These regiments had been brought up with great promptness and energy by Colonel Leasure, and the right of the One hundredth had pushed up to and joined the Seventy-ninth in their charge. Jt was during this brief period of less than one half hour, from 5 to 5.30 oclock, that the greater portion of the casualties occurred. The Eighth Michigan made the most heroic exertion and suffered the most terrible losses. Captains Pratt, Church, Guild, and Lieutenant Cot- trehl, commanding companies, were killed, and Captains Doyle and Lewis and Lieutenant Bates, commanding companies, were wounded oii or near the l)aral)et of the work. My aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Lyons, who led the storming party and the first manto cross the ditch, was severely wounded on the berme of the work, an(l was obliged to retire. Of 22 officers of that regiment who went into action 13 were killed or wounded. Seeing that without supports and reforming the line it was useless to continue the contest, I ordered the troops to be reformed on the hedge nearest the works, and the regiments which had suffered most, viz, The Eighth Michigan, the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, and the Seventh Connecticut, to be withdrawn to the second hedge to be reformed. It was not till, in the execution of this order, the line at the advanced hedge had been formed and the regiments at the secon(l hedge were forming, that Colonel Williams advance was to be seen to our left, and soon afterward his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Adams, reported to me for orders. My orders to Colonel Williams were to maintain the position he had taken on that flank, and to do the best, in concert with our attack, the circumstances of the ground permitte(l. The move- ment ot Colonel Williams was in my judgment the best thing that could be done, and he executed it in a manner worthy of all admira- tion. Some time was occupied in establishing the whole line at the advanced hedge. The remains of two or three companies of the Eighth Michigan and of several companies of the ilighlanders never once abandoned the advance positions on the right and left of the enemys works till ordered so to do at a subsequent period of the action, and the remainder of the regiments were gallantly led, that of the Eighth Michigan by Captain Ely, twice wounded, and the only officer of the storming party not killed or disabled, and that of the Ihighlanders by their gallant lieutenant-colonel, Morrison, who, xv ounded in the head on tIme parapet, seemed only the iimore eager and (letermmed to lead o~ to the assault. The Seventh Connecticut also moved up in a beautiful amid sustained line of battle; for it must be borne iii mimid there had not been the least panic or running from the field on the part of a single regiment. Commandsin consequence of the roughness of the ground, the unex- pected abrupt narrowing of the front at the neck of the l)enilisula, the destructive fire of grape and musketry from the enein~. ali(l the rapidity with which regiment followed reg uncutwere divide 1, becam Page 61 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONYILLE, S. C. 61 somewhat intermingled, and it was simply a necessity to disentangle and reform them. Not a fugitive did I observe passing from the bat- tle-field. The battery, which had been temporarily withdrawn to the road was again advanced to the hedge and opened a destructive fire npon the enemy. Of my entire command all were thns advanced except the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, which had withdrawn, and now occu- pied a positioI on the left of the road. The command was in excellent spirits and in a position enabling them clearly to discern the effect of onr fire, and were prepared and eager to be led to the assault. The dank movement of Williams was having a very marked effect. I sent word to Brigadier-General Benham, commanding the forces, through his staff officer, Captain Elwell, that my troops were in line of battle, my guns in position at the hedge, and that I was preparing to move upon the enemys works. At this stage of the action Williams troops were withdrawn, and I lear~ied from staff officers who reported to General Benham in person that they were withdrawn by his orders. I still maintained my advanced position, nor did I withdraw a regiment till, by the orders of General Benham, Williams had been entirely withdrawn, and every regiment of Wrights except the Ninety seventh had passed to the rear of the road, and until I received his positive orders to that effect. My troops were then wi~drawn in good order and were returned to their several en- cainpm cuts. I must express my profound sense of the intrepid bearing and sol- dierly conduct of my brigade commanders, Colonels Leasure and Femi- ton, who did everything that commanders could do to lead their respective brigades to the attack, and it is mainly due to their exertions that their line of battle was maintained throughout the action. Colonel Fenton left a sick bed to command his brigade, and the 1)01(1, well-sus- tained charge of the Eighth Michigan Regiment was made under his direction, as was that of the Seventy-ninth llighlanders, led by Morri- son, under the direction of Colonel Leasure. All which these officers have to say in commendation of their staff I know from personal obser- vation to be their simple due. To my own staff I am under the greatest obligations~ and it is owing to the great harmony and concert of action between myself and brigade and regimental commanders amid their respective staffs that exact in- formation was had in regard to the field, and that the command was not longer exposed, without purpose, to a destructive fire. My assist- ant adjutant-general, Capt. Liazard Stevens, was in all parts of the field, carrying my orders and bringing inc information to the great cx- posiire of his life, as was my aide, Capt. William T. Lusk, Seventy- ninth Highlanders, and my acting aide, Licut. 0. M. Dearborn, Third New Hampshire Volunteers. Lieutenant Lyons, my junior aide, led the storming column, was the first man to cross the ditch and make the ascent of the parapet. My division quartermaster, Lient. Jefferson Jus- tice, One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, volunteered his most acceptable seivices at the outer pickets ammd served on my staff through- out the action. tIe communicated with me and Leasures brigade, and I call attention to his services, so conspicuous for their gallantry. and to the muention made of him imi Colonel Leasures report. My signal offi- cers, Lieutenants Taift and iowari, are worthy of honorable memition. Lieutenant Tafft took his statiomi in an advanced and exposed part of time field, kept constantly in commnunication with Lieutenatmt Howard at time gunboats and Licut. E. H. Ilickok, Seventy-sixth l~ennsylvania, at the battery, and xvas perfectly efficient and self-possessed under th Page 62 C2 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. heavy discharges of grape from the enemy. In the latter part of the action he carried my orders and aided in the formations and move- ments. The staff officers of Colonel Leasure were Lient. S. G. Leasnre, One hundredth Itegi ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting assistant adju- tant-general. The staff officers of Colonel Fenton were Lient. L. C. Brackett, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant- general; Lient. II. G. Beicher, Eighth Michigan Volunteers, aide-de- camp; Lient. Joseph B. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Volunteers, aide-de- camp. Lieutenant Beleher, though early and severely wounded, continued actively on duty throughout the action, and was the last man to leave the field. Capt. A. P. Rockwell, of the Connecticut battery, deserves particular mention for his gallant bearing and skillful handling of his guns on that field. His senior lieutenant, S. E. Porter, was remarkable for his energy, daring, and persistency throughout. Captain Sears, following with his engineer company the storming party, did most excellent service; first at the advanced hedge, under circumstances of great exposure, preparing embrasures for Rockwells battery, and afterwards at the road, reinovin g obstructions tl~erefrom, and arranging the openings in the hedge both for infantry and artil- lery. There was no opportunity for cavalry movements proper, but the orderlies furnished from Captain Sargents company did most gallant service, and the remainder of his company served effectively as vedettes and pickets. Two men of his company were severely wounded and two horses were killed. The firing from the batteries at the point by Company I, Third Rhode Island Volunteers, Capt. Charles G. Stra- han commanding, was commenced immediately after the unsuccessful charge of onr troops had been made upon the works of the enemy. Although having every gun but one disabled very soon after the com- mencement of the action the firing was conducted with great precision and regularity, nearly every shot taking effect in the fort or the woods in the rear of the work where the large force ofthe enemy were lying. The single gun was worked with as much rapidity as possible during the entire engagement, in the course of which 1 sergeant was killed. The gunboats Ellen and Hale came into action at a later hour, but by their excellent range, obtained by the assistance of Signal Officer Howard, who had been upon the Ellen for several snccessive days, did very great execution among the ranks of the enemy. Although the gunboats did not advance np the river as far as could have been de- sired in order to give a more effective flanking fire upon the fort, still much credit is due them for the precision with which their fire was directed at such long range. The whole force which went into action was as follows: First Brigade, Colonel Fenton commanding: Eighth Michigan, 4 field officers,21 officers 509 men; total,534. Seventh Connecticut, 7 field officers, 15 officers, 573 men; total, 598. Twenty-eighth Massa- chusetts, 0 field officers, 18 officers, 520 men; total, 544. Two coinpa- nies of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts were on fatigue duty and did not join their regiment. Second Brigade, Colonel Leasnre commanding: Seventy-ninth High- landers, 3 field officers, 21 officers, 400 men; total, 474. One hundredth Pennsylvania, 3 field officers, 18 officers 400 300, who were on picket duty, which men (including 130 out of - 130 joined the advance under th Page 63 CrIAv. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, s. C. 63 fire of grape and musketry); total, 421. Forty-sixth New York, 3 field officers, 19 officers, 452 men; total, 474. Rockwells artillery, 4 officers, 73 men; total, 77. Strahans artil- lery, 3 officers, 80 men; total, 83. Sears Corps of Engineers, 2 officers, 59 men; total, 61. Sargent~s company of cavalry, 2 officers, 28 men; total, 30. Total of special arms, 11 officers, 240 men; total, 251. Gen- eral staff, 9 officers, 6 men; total, 15. Total force in action, 3,562. Moreover, the Seventh Connecticut had been on very severe fatigue duty the three previous nights. Idesire in this official report to place on record my objections to these early morning attacks. They are justifiable, in my humble judgment, only under extraordinary circum- stances. The troops get necessarily but little rest the night before, and they go to the work fatigued and excited. Au attack at a more ad- vanced period of the day I consider vastly preferable. These views I presented with all possible cogency and earnestness to General Ben- ham on the evening of the 15th in stating my objections to his pro. J)osed attack at daylight on the morning of the 16th. I must confess that the coolness and mobility of all the troops en- gaged on the 16th instant surprised me, and I cannot but believe, had proper nse been made of the artillery guns from the Navy, and our own batteries, fixed and field; had the position been gradually ap- proached and carefully examined and the attack made much later in the day, when our batteries had had their full effectall which you will recollect were strongly urged by me upon General Benham the evening of the conferencethe result might have been very different. From the best information I can get I am satisfied the force of the enemy on the peninsula at Secessionville and in immediate defense of his works was five regiments, or about 3,000 effective men. It was the headquarters of his advance forces on James Island, and was in com- mand of a general officer. The casualties in the action of the 16th are as follows: Prisoners. Killed. Wounded. Missing. TotaL Wounded. Unwounded. Command. u u S S S S S 0 0 - 0 - -~ ~ e u ~, o u a u Q . - Q Q 9 S S S S SS S u Sn SSii ~ F~ Q ~ 0 [A 0 [A o [A Q[A~ First Brigade: 7thConnecticnt 2 7 2 64 3 1 ---. 3 4 78 82 2ithMassachnsetts 8 2 40 1 4 6 . 6 3 64 67 SthMichigan 1 11 8 93 2 20 1 13 1 35 13172 185 Total 3 26 12 197 3 27 1 20 1 44 20 314 334 Second Brigade: 46thINewYork 1 5 2 15 1 .... 9 3 30 33 79th NewYork 1 8 5 51 17 9 19 6 104 110 100th Pennsylvania... 1 8 2 30 I 6 3 45 48 Total 3 21 9 96 18 10.... 3412179191 Special arms: Company 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. L. M. Sargent, 2 wounded. Company I, 3d Rhode Island Volunteers, Capt. C. 0. Strahan, 1 killed, Company Volunteer Engineers, Capt. A. F. Sears, 1 wounded Page 64 64 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID AND EAST VIA. [CUAP. XXVI. The missing are unquestionably killed, and the total loss is as follows: Killed. Wounded. Prisoners. Total. Command. S S S S ~D Q ~i2 p-~ +~ F~ -~ ~ ~ -4~ ~ ~, C . ~ .5 ~ .5 .5 0 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 1st Brigade 4 70 15 224 1 20 20 314 334 2d Bdgade 3 55 9 114 10 12 179 101 Specialarms 1 3 4 4 Total* 7 126 24 341 1 30 32 497 .529 The medical officers of tile division were and have been unwearied in their exertions and attendance upon the wounded both in the battle- field and in the hospital. The medical director of my division, Dr. George S. Kemble, is e specially entitled to commendation for his good arrangements and activity. I herewith submit the reports of brigade and regimental commanders and of comman(iers of special arms. I call special attention to the mention made therein of gallant conduct on the part of officers and men. Where so munch intrepidity and (levotion were exhibited I cannot do more thami to refi~r to~ the sub-reports, with the expression of my judg- ment that every case noted is well deserved. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most o1)edient, ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. II. G. WRIGHT, Commanding U. S. Forces, James Island, S. C. No. 9. Report of Cot. William M. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Second Division. IIDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 2D Div., NORTH. DIsT., DEPT. SOUTH, James Island, S. C., June 17, 1862. SIR: I have to report, for the information of the brigadier-general commanding Second Division, the part taken by this brigade in the attack of yesterday on the enemys batteries. Agreeably to om-ders this brigade was in readiness to move at 1 oclock a. in., 16th, and at 2 oclock in line, and moved to the second houses. After specific orders were received from Brigadier-General Stevens, who advanced with us amid at the head of the line, the brigade was put in march by the right flank in perfect quiet and stillness; Lieutenant Lyons, aide to General Stevens, iii a(ivance. with guide. 1. Two companiesC, Captain Ely, and II, Captain Doyleof Eighth Michigan Volunteers, for the a(lvance skirmishers and attacking party. 2. The remaining eight companies of the Eighth Michigan, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Graves. * But see revised statement, p. 51 Page 65 65 ~JHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONYILLE, S. C. 3. The Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, followed by a section of Connecticut battery. 4. The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore. On passing the house beyond the marsh the advance was fired on by the enemys pickets and 2, at least, of Company H, Eighth Michigan, wounded. Silence was still preserved, no shots returned, but the 4 men of the enemy~5 pickets captured and sent to the rear. The two advanced companies were deployed into line beyond the main hedge and marched toward the enemys works, followed by the Eighth Mich- igan, which came up into line on the march. Advancing with this regiment as they formed into line in the open field, in view of the enemys works, and observing as well as practicable his position, I deemed it desirable to gain ground to tbe right for the purpose of flanking his left in the assault, and advancing the other regiments into position for effective fire on his infantry supporting the works, and ordered an oblique march, which was executed promptly and in good order. I then dispatched Lieutenant Beleher, acting aide, to bring up the Seventh Connecticut to form on the V ft of the Eighth Michigan, and Lieutenant Brackett, acting assistant adjutant-general, to bring up the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts to the support of the two former, taking my position on the front and center, to receive and direct the other-regiments as they advanced. The order not to fire, but to use the bayonet, was obeyed, and the advanced companies reached the parapet of the works at the angle on our right and in front, engaging the enemy at the point of the bayonet. They were closely followed by the remaining companies of the regi- ment. During this advance the enemy opened upon our lines an exceedingly destructive fire of grape, canister, and musketry, and yet the regiment pushed on as veterans, divided only to the right and left by a sweeping torrent from the enemys main gun in front. This brought a portion of the regiment to the left near the tower or lookout, and a brisk fire of musketry was soon opened on both sides. The enemys fire proved so galling and destructive that our troops on the parapet were compelled to retire under its cover, and that of the ditch and slope on our right at the marsh, slope and trees on our left. They maintained their position, partially covered, doing good execution as sharpshooters. Further details and honorable mention of gallant officers will be found in Lieutenant-Colonel Graves report. The Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, formed into line as they advanced, reaching a point in the open field in front of the tower, with their left resting on the bushes skirting the marsh, whenlorderedtheir march by the right flank across the field and up to the support of the troops on the right. I personally directed the movement, which was executed in good order under a continual shower of grape and canister as well as musketry on nearing the work. In the mean time one section of the Connecticut battery had opened on the enemy from our left, and the march of this regiment at first was between two fires. I refer for further particulars of the action of this regiment and honorable mention of names to the report of Lieutenant- Colonel Hawley, commanding. The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers filed through the first hedge and came rapidly up after the advance of artillery which pre- ceded them, forming colum~in of companies and then coming into line, 5 R RYOL xi Page 66 66 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. R~iIAP. XXVI. and arriving near the Seventh Connecticut filed up to the left by the flank. For a short time the left of the two regiments were clustered togetlier in the bushes, but the march of the Seventh Connecticut cleared them. The Twenty-eighth then filed up to the obstructions a short distance from the enemys intrenchments near the tower, opening fire upon them. Lieutenant-Colonel Moores report embraces further particulars of the action, to which 1 respectfully refer. All the regiments behaved well, subjected as they were to a most galling and raking fire until they retired. The storm of grape and canister, as well as musketry, continuing, and many of our officers and men being disabled, orders were received to withdraw the troops. My command was then withdrawn, and reformed behind the main hedge, from which an advance was again made to the cover of the ditch or second hedge in support of a field battery which was pushed forward. In the woods on our right, near the angle of the fort, were posted some of the enemys sharpshooters. They were also in rifle pits, and under cover in the rear as well as in the house, which was filled with them. From these and other covers in and about the fort and on its right a constant fire of musketry was kept up by the enemy, who were in considerable force. The Second Brigade of this Second Division was promptly pushed forward to our support, and from all accessible points the enemy was vigorously replied to. I have no doubt they suffered a severe loss in killed and wounded. From the enemys floating battery or hulk to our right and front at least four shots were fred. When the order to withdraw was given I sent Lieutenant Fenton, acting aide, to our extreme right and front to recall the men there. At this time he found them near the angle of the fort and directed them to fall back, which was done by most of the troops; but after the regiments were reforming behind the hedge lOG or more of the Eighth Michigan still remained at the angle and were recalled by Lieutenant Belcher, who rode over the field to bring in all who remained able to move. The field of battle was furrowed across with cotton ridges, and many of the men lay there loading and firing as deliberately as though on their hunting grounds at home. All the horses connected with my command were either killed or wounded, and all my aides and orderlies hit in some way. During the engagement the Eighth Michigan colors were carried on the parapet, and after the men first withdrew were unfurled to protect from shots of friends in rear. While the firing was hottest and during the days action, through the efficient attention of Surg. Francis Bacon and Asst. Surg. Horace Porter, of Seventh Connecticut, Surgeon Wilson, of Eighth Michigan, and Surgeon OConnell and Assistant Surgeon Snow, of Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, with their respective corps, speedy relief was afforded the wounded who were accessible. Orders having been given to that effect,about 9a.m. this command was withdrawn, and returned to camp in good order. The conduct of all the officers of this command who came under my notice was gallant without exception. The men behaved with admirable bravery and coolness. I regret to report the heavy loss in the command, which is not yet precisely ascertained, but as last reported amounts to 341 killed, wounded, and missing, of which Th2 are in the Eighth Michigan Volunteers, 85 in the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and 74 in the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers.* I will transmit at the * See revised statement, p. 51 Page 67 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 67 earliest practicable moment a correct list of names, & c., which is in preparation. Lieutenant Brackett, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieu.~ tenants Belcher and Fenton, acting aides, were efficient and active~ Lieutenant Beicher was wounded slightly, as he supposed at the time, and continued throngh the entire affair on duty, although on his return to quarters he had a ball extracted from his shoulder. His wound,. however, is not dangerous. The forces engaged were as follows: Eighth Michigan4 field and. staff, 21 line officers, 509 rank and file; Seventh Connecticut.7 field. and staff, 18 line officers, 573 rank and file; Twenty-eighth Massachu- setts (two companies on fatigue duty)6 field and staff, 18 line officers, 520 rank and file. Accompanying this are copies of reports of regimental commander& and a rough 8ketch of the scene of action not claimed to be entirely~ correct, but as near as can be made from the view had under fire on the~ field of battle. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. M. FENTON, Colonel Eighth Michigan Volunteers, Comdg. First Brigade~ Capt. HAZARD STEVENS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division. No. 10. Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry.. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862. COLONEL: I submit a brief report of the part taken by this regiment~ in the assault upon the enemys eartliworks this morning. Our line was formed promptly at 1 oclock, as ordered. There wer& 2 field, 5 staff, 2 non-commissioned staff, and 18 line officers, 76 non~ commissioned officers, and 497 privates; total, 600. In addition 10 or- 12 musicians, and more accompanied the surgeons. We were assigned to the center of your brigade, the First Brigade,. Second Division, and as we approached the enemy were ordered to~ move forward into line on the left of the leading regiment, the Eighth Michigan. As our right passed the building afterwards used as a hos- pital, and through the heavy hedge entered the first of the two fields~ between us and the earthworks, it formed into line and continued to~ march on at a rapid step. It was impossible for all of the left to get. forward into line on the run across the high ridges of the cotton fields,. enctimbered as they were and worn down by night fatigues. I halted. the right for one single minute, the left still running, and the completed line moved on in excellent order over the hedge between the tWo fields. and steadily advanced upon the enemy, whose grape and rifle shots. came in showers. When within 200 or 300 yards of the earthwork the left wing came obliquely upon an unforeseen ditch and morass, so that in advancing it must crowd by its right flank toward the center. At this moment a terrible fire of grape and musketry opened on us. The line was inevitably broken. The colors stood fast, protected by Captain Palmers company (E). Captain Hitchcock, with part of Company 0- Page 68 68 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. IXYL and Lieutenant Atwell, with part of Company C, advanced within 130 yards of the parapet. These and a portion of the right wing, conceiv- ing that the time had come when the order not to fire might be waived, opene(l a lively discharge upon the parapet. The men stood bravely, but the line could not be formed until the colors were brought into the open field. As soon as this was done the regiment moved by the right flank under the heaviest fire, the left wing rapidly closing up, and under your orders, when well across the field toward the marsh, filed to the left and advanced upon the enemy. After moving a short distance Captain Stevens brought me an order from General Stevens to call the men off. They could not resist the temptation offered by the enemys men at the guns, and a portion of the right was slow to get the order and fall back, preferring to pick off gunners and riflemen. Faced by the rear rank the battalion marched to the hedge and lay behind it until an order from General Stevens brought it back to the hedge in front of the hospital. In a few moments the general again sent us forward to the hedge across the fields, where we lay, while three pieces (two howitzers and a rifle) of the Connecticut light battery came up and carried on a rapid and for the most part a very well directed flue. Several times my men assisted with the utmost eagerness in moving the guns and giving other aid. A portion of the best marksmen were permitted to fire at the enemys parapets. When the pieces had retired beyond danger, by order from General Stevens we were again moved in regular line to the rear, the enemys rifled eannon and howitzers playing upon us. After standing behind the hospital hedge a short time General Stevens ordered us to camp, whither we returned in good order. An immedi- ate inquiry showed very few missing men, and the number absent not positively known to have been left on the field dead or severely wounded does not exceed 3 or 4. I find it impossible to select individuals for praise. Captain Edwin S. Hitchcock, of Company G, among the foremost, and enthusiastically oheering on his men, was severely wounded in the thigh. He continued to call out cheerfully and to fire rifles handed him by his men until he received a rifle-ball straight from the front through his upper lip. Four of his men theu undertook to carry him to the rear. While they were doing this two of them, Sergeant Haynes and Private J. N. Dexter, were wounded by rifle-balls, and they were obliged to leave the gallant captain dying there. Lieutenant ilooton, of Company D, was doing his whole duty nobly, rallying aiid regulating his company, when a heavy grape-shot passed entirely through his right thigh nearly up to the body. He was carried to the rear, praising his men and urging them on, and he lived but a short time. Lieutenant Dempsey, of Company B, while in the discharge of his duty, was disabled by a ball through bis left shoulder, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound. Ser- geant (Acting Second Lieutenant) Upson, of Company F, was heroi~dly at work when a grape-shot took off three fingers and dashed through his right shoulder. There are but very slight hopes of his recovery. Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Gardiner, Captain (Acting Major) Rodman, Adjutant Mills, and Quartermaster Terry and Sergeant-Major Sawyer, of the field and staff, did all that could be asked of the bravest soldiers. They were entirely fearless and constantly active and near me every moment. The same I may say, from personal observation, of nearly every line officer, and for aught I know it is true of all. At a most critical moment, when we were rearranging the line for the secon Page 69 CH& r. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONYILLE, S. C. advance, nothing could have been better than the conduct of Captains Gray, Palmer, and Skinner, and Lieutenants Chamberlain, Atwell~ Thompson, Townsend, and Greene. Formidable as were the obstacles~ 1 cannot help believing that had we possessed a better knowledge of the ground the highest success would have crowned our effbrts. This regiment was most actively engaged in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, but this was the first time it bad encountered a heavy direct infantry fire. To meet that discharge of grape and musketry was a severe test. When the ditch broke up our line the men did not leave the ground; they stood patiently until the line was formed, aud our advances and retreats were in regular line and time. Surgeon Bacon and Assistant Surgeon Porter and their assistants were very. indu8- trious in bringing off the wounded, to which I attribute our small number of missing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. R. HAWLEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Seventh Regt. Conn. Vol*. Col. WILLIAM M. FENTON, Commanding First Brigade, Second Division. No. 11. Report of Lieut. Cot. JJlliacLelland Moore, Twenty-eighth Massaekusettw Infantry. llnQas. TWENTY-EIGHTH REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLS., James Island, June 17, 1862. COLONEL: In obedience to your orders of this date I have the honor to transmit the following report of this regiment in the action of yes- terday The line was formed with eight companies (two, A and F, having been detailed previously for fatigue at batteries) at 1 oclock on morn- ing of the 16th instant, with 60 rounds of ammunition, canteens filled with water, and twenty-four hours rations in haversacks to each man, as per order. When we arrived we found two regiments engaged; marched the regiment by the flank through a gap in the hedge into a large field in front of the enemys work; forward in column by com- pany, and formed into line of battle on first company as soon as clear of hedge. While this latter movement was being executed one regi- ment that was in front fell back and broke through our regiment, throwing it into confusion. Forward again; marched by the flank through a dense bush on our left, and followed the edge of the bushes, which formed one side of a marsh to within 40 yards of the enemys work. Here our progress was interrupted by a large fallen tree, be- tween which and the enemys work was an impassable marsh. On our right was an abatis of dense brush and on our left and front marsh. Here we lost many of the men who were killed and wounded in the regiment. Seeing that we could be of no possible use in this place with less than a platoon front to retaliate by fire on the enemy, and this position being raked by the fire of the gun on the corner of the enemys work nearest the observatory, I ordered the regiment to retire. After getting back into the field I again formed line, and soon after wa Page 70 70 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. ordered to retire, which we did in good order. The officers and men tehaved very well. Herewith I have the honor to transmit an account of losskilled, ~wounded, and missing.* I the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, M. MOORE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-eighth Regt. Mass. Vols. Col. WILLIAM M. FENTON, Commanding First Brigade. No. 12. R6port of Lsieut. Cot. Frank Graves, Eighth Michigan Infantry. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS, James Island, & C., June 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to present the following report of the action of the Eighth Regiment of Michigan Volunteers in the attack upon the Tower battery of the enemy near Secessionville, S. C., to-day: The regiment marched from camp at 2 a. m. In accordance with orders from Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, commanding Second Division, Companies C and H (Company H in front) were advanced within sup- porting distance of the regiment, with positive orders from General $tevens to push rapidly forward, using only the bayonet, and not to lire a shot unless compelled to do so by an attack of a much superior force. Upon arriving at the first negro houses in advance of our camp ~a halt was ordered, when Major Watson, of this regiment, who was :there on duty as field officer of the day, was ordered to report to me, which he did promptly, and joined the regiment, acting as lieutenant- colonel. I moved my command rapidly forwai d without opposition. to the first houses beyond our lines, where we found a picket of the enemy, consisting of a lieutenant and 3 men, who, after firing two shots at us, wounding 5 men of Company II, ran away. Two of them were soon captured by some of Company II. The others having gained consid- erable distance, the men were unable to catch them, when I dashed after them; soon overtook, captured, and sent them to the rear. The regiment soon arrived at the open field in front of the enemys works, when I formed my advance and battalion companies forward into line, and moved forward at a charge bayonet at the battery. By this time we could see the enemy formed in his intreuchments ready to receive us. The lines advanced steadily and in good order to within good musket-range, when the enemy delivered a close and deadly fire of musketry along his whole front, accompanied with rapid and heavy discharges of grape and canister and the fire of sharpshooters from cover. Still the regiment moved rapidly on, preserving their order and leaving the ground in their rear strewn with their dead and wounded, and did not stop until they gained the parapet and delivered their fire upon the enemy in his works. But they were unable to contend against such great odds, and being entirely unsupported for a considerable time they fell back slowly, contesting every inch of ground a short dis- tance, where they maintained ground until ordered to retreat, which * Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 71 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 71 they did in good order, although under fire. The regiment, however, had become much scattered, owing to the great number of officers who had fidlen. A portion of the regiment was again formed upon the colors, and took up position in support of a section of the First Con- necticut Battery. The veteran coolness with which the Eighth Michigan Volunteers moved forward upon that battery and the literal execution of their in- structions under such trying circumstances were most admirable. The conduct of the men speaks much more for the bravery of their officers than anything that I can say, yet I cannot refrain from mentioning Major Watson, who so gallantly conducted the right wing; Captain Doyle, who led the van to the very parapet, and stood upon it amidst a storm of bullets, coolly spotting his man with eaclrdiseharge of his revolver, and not quitting it until his arm fell powerless by his side, shattered by a shot; Captain Church, who fell at the feet of the enemy, sword in hand, cheering on his men; Captain Guild, who fell in the hottest of the fight bravely fighting, musket in hand; Captain Pratt, who, though wounded, still led on his men until he fell from sheer ex- haustion; Captain Lewis, who was severely wounded in the first fire; tha gallant conduct of Lieutenants Donohue and Cottrell, who fell severely wounded at the head of their commands; also of Lieutenant Bates, commanding Company F, and Lieutenants ilutchison and Smith. I take great pleasure in mentioning the coolness, patient attention, and skill of our surgeon, J. C. Wilson, and notwithstanding the great dis- advantage of having no assistants no one was neglected, but all made as comfortable as possible. And before closing this report I wish to testify my gratitude for and admiration of the valuable services and daring br~mvery of Lieutenant Lyons, of the commanding genera1~s staff, who was chosen as the guide of the Second Division owing to his superior knowledge of the route, gained by his daring personal recon- naissances, and when we arrived in front of the enemys works he dashed to the front, and with a Come on, boys, he displayed his willingness and ability to guide us into as well as up to the fort. Upon the withdrawal of the forces the regiment was ordered to bring up the rear of the ~zlivision, so that the Eighth Michigan were the first in and last out. I much desire, if space were allowed, to make mention of some of the cool and daring acts of bravery on the part of some of the privates and non-commissioned officers of this regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK GRAVES, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. LEVI C. BRACKETT, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 2d Div., North. Dist., Dept. South. No. 13. Report of Cot. Daniel Leasure, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division. IIDQRS. 2i BRIG., 2D Div., NORTH. DIST., DEPT. SOUTH, James Island, S. C., June 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: The undersigned respectfully reports that pursuant to orders from division headquarters the Seventy-ninth New York Volun- teers and that portion of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvani Page 72 72 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXTL Volunteers not on advanced picket duty were formed into line, and at 1.20 oclock a. m. started for the rendezvous of the brigade, at the head- quarters of the First Brigade, where the remaining regiment, the Forty- sixth New York Volunteers, joined, and the troops moved toward the enemys work in good order and the most profound silence. About 4.30 oclock the head of the column, marching by the flank on a double-quick for at least half a mile, arrived opposite the work of the enemy, about a mile in front of them, with an open field, traversed by two hedges, formed by cutting deep ditches, one on either side of an embarkment 0 feet in height, extending up to the breastworks. The First Brigade, under Colonel Fenton, had meanwhile advanced upon the work, and the fort had opened fire. I now received the order from the brigadier-general commanding the division to form the column to support the attack of Colonel Fenton. I immediately ordered the regiment on the right, the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, into line of battle, and when about two companiea on its right had got into line an urgent message caine from Colonel Fenton to hasten to his support, and General Stevens gave me the order to advahce at a double-quick, and the companies then in line started off at that step, which made it extremely (lifficult for the left to get into line, which indeed it never did until it reached the fort, where the right, or about two companies of the right, under charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, in corn mand, gaincd a position alongside of and upon the embankment. The left, having encountered a perfect storm of grape and canister, was obliged to seek shelter either by obliquing to the left under cover of a small ravine, or by dropping amongst the cotton ridges iu front of the fort, where they kept up a steady fire on the enemys gunners. Immediately following the advance of the Seventy-ninth New York Regiment the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment, under command of Major Leckey, formed, while marching at a d uble-quick, to support the advance of the Seventy-ninth New York Regiment. The line of battle of the One hundredth was so formed as to cover with its right that portion of the left of the Seventy-ninth which I saw was not likely to perfect its formation before reaching the breastworks. The Forty- sixth New York Volunteers, Colonel Rosa commanding, were formed im a like manner to cover the left of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, thus forming three lines of battle in echelon. Pending these movements of the One hundredth Peiinsylvania and Forty-sixth New York Regiments I advanced to hasten up the left of the Seventy-ninth New York and lead the assault in person. On arriv- ing at the intrenchment or hedge, 300 yards in front of the fort, I found I could not get my horse over, and dismounting, as did also my assist- ant adjutant-general, Lieutenant Leasure, we proceeded on foot. At this point, together with the left wing of the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, we entered the range of a perfect storm of grape, canister, nails, broken glass, and pieces of chains tired from three very large pieces on the fort, which completely swept every foot of ground within the range, and either cut the nien down or drove them to the shelter of the ravine on the left. I now turned to look after an(1 lead up the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment, and found its center just entering the fatal line of fire, which completely cut it in two, and the right~ under Major Leckey, obliqued to the right and advanced to support the right of the Seventy-ninth New York, and many of the men reached the foot of the embankment, and some succeeded in mounting it, with Page 73 73, CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. few brave men of the Seventy-ninth, who were there with a portion of the Eighth Michigan. It was here that Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison was wounded, and many of the Seventy-ninth either killed or wounded, as were also some of the One hundredth Pennsylvania. The principal casualties to the Seventy- ninth New York occurred at this point from the enemys musketry, while the principal casnaities to the One hundredth Pennsylvania oc- curred during the few minutes that the center of the regiment was under fire of the guns of the fort, throwing every conceivable kind of missile, and that portion of the left which remained with a portion of the Seventy-ninth New York under partial cover of the ravine before spoken ot~ The One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers went into the battle a fragmentary command. Three hundred and odd privates, with the necessary officers, were on the advanced picket posts, not more than 130 of whom could rejoin before we went into battle. The previ- ous morning report, as shown by Major Leckey~s report, verified by the official report, shows 583 privates present for duty. This would leave 283 privates to go to battle, added to which the fragmentary portions of companies that were able to join from the pickets, amounting to not more than 130 men, would make the whole number of that command in battle not more than 400 men, with the necessary complement of offi- cers, and of these 130 men who joined from pickets three companies did not arrive in time to join the regiment till it was under the thickest of the fire, when they joined on the left, and suffered severely. It was of these that Lieutenant Morrow was mortally and Lieutenants Blair and Galliland seriously wounded. During the formation of the column of attack 1 mile from the fort the Forty-sixth New York Volunteers, by orders of General Stevens, had proceeded to the left along the road toward Secessionville, to form, if possible, a junction with General Wright~s troops on that side, but on my plan of advance being repre- sented by my assistant adjutant-general the general directed that the regiment should be recalled and support the One hundredth Pennsyl- vania Regiment. This caused some delay, which was no disadvantage under the circumstances, as it enabled that corps to form in good line of battle, which it did, and marched steadily to the front until ordered to halt and remain in reserve. This regiment afterward advanced and took its position in the brigade, when it was rallied at the hedge 300 yards in front of the fort. As soon as the advance had been checked, and it was found impracti- cable for the few troops on the embankment to take the fort, Captain Stevens, as I am informed, ordered them to fall back to let the artillery play upon the works, which was accordingly done in very good order~ Meantime about two companies of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteers had rallied to their colors at the hedge 300 yards in front of the fort, and on these, with the assistance of Lieutenant Leasure, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Justice, acting post and division quartermaster, I soon succeeded in rallying the whole of my command, and formed it in regular order for attack where we lay, until orders came for us to fall back to the hedge in the rear, which we did in good order, bringing off our wounded and leaving our dead. During the battle two of my mounted orderlies were wounded and one had his horse shot under him. I may be permitted to report further that at the time I arrived in front of the hedge near the fort I saw nothing of any part of the sup- porting regiments of the First Brigade between the advancing High Page 74 74 COASTS OF S C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVt landers and the fort, and only a portion of the Eighth Michigan, who led the attack in front of the fort, that regiment having already been decimated by the murderous fire through which we all had to pass. The troops under my command behaved with much intrepidity and coolness, and did not shrink from exposing themselves, as the list of casualties will show, and did not at any time evince any tendency to panic, though to maintain a position for two and a half hours under a constant stream of fire was an affair calculated to try the disposition of soldiers pretty thoroughly. Accompanying this report please find the reports of the several regi- mental commanders, together with their lists of casualties. I must return to the officers of the several regiments my thanks for their steadiness and coolness and for their ready and prompt obedience to my orders. Lieut. S. George Leasure, assistant adjntant~general, and Lent. Jefferson Justice, quartermaster of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting post and division quartermaster, de- serve my marked approbation for most effective assistance and for set. ting an example of coolness and disregard of personal danger that aided materially in preserving coolness and intrepidity throughout the com- mand. All of which is very respectfully reported. DANIEL LEASURE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HAZARD STEVENS, Capt., A. A. A. G., Second Div. North. Dist., Dept. South. No. 14. Report of Col. Rudolph Rosa, Forty-sixth New York Infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS. James Island, S. C., June 17, 18~i2. COLONEL: In obedience to your orders I have the honor to report that the Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers left the camp on the morning of June 16, numbering 452 enlisted men and 22 commis- sioned officers. It was the last regiment in the brigade under your command. About three-fourths of a mile from the place of action the order was given to advance in double-quick time. The regiment was conducted to the right of the road, over a very uneven field, and over a deep ditch with hedge, which runs in front of the fort at a distance of about one thousand paces. The regiment was then formed in line on the left wing of the brigade under your command, arid then advanced to abont 400 paces of the fort, where a very marshy ravine covered with bushes to the left seemingly offered the means of approaching the fort nuder cover. At this moment parts of the Twenty-eighth Massachu- setts Regiment and Seventh Connecticut Regiment in retreating from this ravine threw themselves on oar left wino- taking with them about ~0 of our men. At the same time the fort, which till their had fired with solid shot, began to fire at us with heavy grape. The line of the brigade fell back in general and the order for retreating was given. Nearly all our losses occurred in these movements from the heavy grape of the fort. The re~iment retreated behind the ditch with hedge before mentioned, formed behind, and stood there for about fiftee Page 75 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 75 minutes, when a general retreat took place, and the regiment went back about 400 paces from this ditch, where it halted. Colonel Leasure then ordered the regiment to again take position at this ditch to the right of the Seventy ninth Regiment, which was done. At a later period the whole brigade wc s again formed at this ditch, and our regi- ment took position at its left wing, covered by the ditch. During all this time our own artillery fired over our heads from enormous dis. tances and burst several shells right over our heads. The fire of our gunboats was also very disagreeable until they finally succeeded in getting a better range. At about 9.30 oclock the order was given to fall back on the road, which was executed in good order, and the troops were afterwards marched back to their quarters. I have the honor to annex a correct list of casualties.* Most respectfully, your obedient servant, RUDOLPH ROSA, Colonel, Comdg. Forty-sixth Regiment N. Y. State Vol.. No. 15. Report of Lieut. Col. David Morrison, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-NINTII REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS., James Island, 5. 0., June 17, 1862. GENERAL: In compliance with your orders I have the honor to report the part which the Seventy-ninth (Highlanders) took in the action of yesterday. Between the hours of 9 and 10 oclock p. m. (Sabbath), June 15, I received your orders for twenty-fbur hours cooked rations and to be ready for the march at 1 oclock a. m. Having made the necessary preparations we moved at the time appointed. On arriving at the camp of the Eighth Michigan I halted my command foi~ half an hour. I then received orders to move forward, preceded by a section of light artillery, and in this order we advanced until within range of the enemy~s guns, where I received orders from General Stevens to file past the battery and advance on the double.quick. Having proceeded about half a mile we entered a large cotton field~ where I was ordered to form line of battle and charge upon the enemys works, and notwith- standing the ground was very unfavorable, good order was preserved. When at a distance of about 1,000 yards the guns of the fort opened upon us with canister, grape, and shell with fearful effect, and although many of my men fell, yet the regiment never faltered or wavered, but kept steadily on. Their bearing was worthy of veterans. Gallantly did they withstand the shock of musketry, and onward they pushed until they reached the ramparts. As I mounted the parapet I received a wound in the head, which, though slight, stunned me for the time being, but still I was able to retain command. With me many mounted the works, bat only to fall or receive their wounds from the enemy posted in the rifle pits in rear of the fort. I ordered the right wing of the regiment to post itself behind the intrenchments at the left of the fort, which drove them back and held them in check. From the ramparts I had a full view of their works. They were * Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 76 76 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVI. intrenched in a position well selected for defensive purposes, and upon which our artillery seemed to have little effect, save driving them into their retreats, and in attempting to dislodge them we were met with a fierce and determined opposition; but with equal, if not superior, de- termination and courage were they met by our forces, and had Ii been supported, could have carried their works. One man came out from the fort and surrendered himself, and at that time had the reserve force come up could have held the fort, for we virtually had it in our pos- session. After remaining in this position for some considerable time and not being supported by the other regiments I received orders to fall back, which I did in good order, leaving behind about 40 killed or badly wounded, many of whom fell upon the ramparts, and brought back with me 6 killed and about 60 wounded. I was again ordered to form the regiment and advance the second time, supported by the Seventh Connecticut on the right and the One hundredth Pennsylvania on the left. We advanced in perfect order within the distance of about 600 yards, when we were ordered to halt, and the Connecticut battery on the right opened a galling fire with shot and shell, which told with wonderful effect on the enemys works. At this time I selected a number of my best riflemen, some of whom volunteered to advance in front of my line for the purpose of annoying the gunners inside the fort, many of whom were picked off by our men. The battery having expended their ammunition we were again ordered to fall back, which we did slowly and in good order. Nobly did the regiment sustain its former reputation and character. Many of our brave are fallen, and fallen too upon the parapets of the fort; others wounded severely, among whom are Lieutenants Kinnear and Robert- son. Their example in encouraging their men is worthy of all praise. I inclose also a report of the killed, wounded, and missing.* I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID MORRISON, Lieut. Cot., Comdg Seventy-ninth Regt. (Bhighianders) N. Y. Vots. Col. D. LEASURE, Aotg. Brig. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., .Yorth. Dist., Dept. South. No. 16. Report of Aliaj. David A. Jieckey, One hundredth Pennsylvania infantry. HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT PA. VOLS., James Island, S. 0., June 17, 1862. COLONEL: Pursuant to your order I have the honor to report that. on yesterday morning, the 16th instant, a portion of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers participated in the battle at the Tower Fort, near Secessionville. It is proper that you should know the exact force which we took into the field. The morning report of the 15th instant showed 583 privates present for duty. Of these 300 and some odd, with the necessary officers, went on advance picket duty at 4 oclock on the evening of the 15th, which left me about 280 men, with the necessary officers, to go into the field. On arriving at the picket headquarters, about 3 oclock on the morn- Embodied in revised Btatement, p. 51 Page 77 77 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. ing of the 16th, 1 found that two companies of the picket reserve had been sent by somebody to drag a heavy piece of ordnance to the new battery and bring a correspondingly heavy piece that was damaged back again, and ordering them to follow as rapidly as possible, together with all the other pickets that could be collected on the march, and proceed with the column to the attack of the enemys works with the brigade. About 130 men of the picket, including the two companies of the reserve alluded to as being on fatigue duty, joined me on the march or after we had got under fire. Some three-quarters of a mile before reaching the point opposite the fort from which the charge was made we marched at a double-quick, and immediately on entering the field, about a mile in front of the fort, we were ordered into line and also to advance to support the Seventy-ninth ~ ew York, already mov- ing at a double-quick upon the enemys works. Of course to prove of any service as a support we must also move at that pace, and it wa s extremely difficult to maintain even the semblance of a line when the men on the left were falling breathless from the great exertions they were obliged to make to get forward iuto line. On passing the hedge about 300 yards in front of the fort our center at once entered the line of a discharge of grape and canister which com- pletely cnt the command in two, the part on the right obliquing over to the right to support the Highlanders, who were up to and some of them upon the breastworks of the fort. The other part advanced steadily till, when within about 30 or 40 yards of the fort, an order came from one of General Stevens aides to fall back, which they did in good order, to the hedge, and there halted till ordered by Captain Stevens to fall back still farther to permit the artillery to fire over our heads. Afterward Lieutenant Leasure, acting assistant adjutant- general, brought me your cheering order to advance and rally on our colors, which we did with alacrity. Here we soon found the whole brigade in good order, good spirits, and ready to advance, and after remaining till 7.30 oclock Captain Stevens brought up the order to fall back to the road, which, as you are aware, was done slowly and in good order. Of the earlier operations of the left wing of my command, after we were separated by the fearful storm of grape and canister that we encountered in front of the fort, I can not speak from personal observa- tion, but as that part of the regiment was on the extreme left, under your own eye, and where our chief losses occurred, you will be able to judge of the conduct of that portion of my command for yourself. I may say, however, that so far as I could observe the conduct of the men was cool and brave, and the officers discharged their duties regard- less of personal danger. Accompanying this report I send a report of our casualties.* I cannot permit this opportunity to pass without bearing testimony to the great personal worth, coolness, and bravery of the lamented Lieutenant Morrow, of Company I, mortally wounded, and since dead. D. A. LECKEY, Major, Commanding. Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 78 78 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVL No. 17. Report of Got. Robert Williams, First Massachusetts Cavalry, command ing Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS, Hilton Head, S. C., July 13, 1862. GOVERNOR: I have the honor to inclose herewith the official copy of Maj. Edwin Metcalfs report of the part taken by his battalion, Third Rhode Island Artillery, in the battle of Secessionville. James Island, S. 0., June 16. Major Metcalfs command was thrown forward into the position of which he first speaks with the Third New Hampshire Regiment, and supported by the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania and Forty-seventh New York Regiments, for the purpose of keeping down the fire of the enemy~s main works while General Stevens made his second advance. This was so well done by the Third New Hampshire Regiment and by Major Metcalfs battalion while with the New Hampshire Regi- ment, that the enemy were wholly unable to man their guns, and General Stevens succeeded in bringing forward his command to a small embankment about 400 yards from the work without the loss, I believe, of a man while crossing a large open space before reaching the embank- ment. I desire to express to Your Excellency my extreme admiration of the courage and soldierly conduct of Major Metcalfs battalion, and partic- ularly of the major himself. It is my belief that no officers or men could have behaved better under fire than they did, and certainly no officer could have led his command with more skill and bravery than did Major Metcalf. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. WILLIAMS, Colonel First Massachusetts Cavalry, Commanding Post. To His Excellency Governor SPRAGUE, Providence, R. L No. 18. Report of Licut. Cot. John H. Jackson, Third iYew Hampshire Infantry. HDQRS. THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS James island, S. C., June 19, 1~62. SIR: I have the honor to present the following report: On the morning of the 16th instant I received orders to form the six companies of my regiment remaining in camp (four companies being on picket) and fall in the rear of the Third Rhode Island, which I did at 3 oclock. After the line had been formed a short time I received ?~der8 to march forward. When I came up with our pickets I was joined by the remaining four companies of my regiment. I soon re- ceived orders to again advance, which I did until I reached some woodei buildings near the enemy~s earthworks, and as I had then got in ad- vance of those I was ordered to support I halted my command and waited for further orders. Orders soon came for me to move on and support the advance. Thinking I had made some mistake, and that there was some of our forces in advance, I threw forward my two flan Page 79 CHAr. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSLONVILLE, S. C. 79~ companies as skirmishers under cover of some shanties that were very near the eartliworks, and gave them a fine opportunity to operate against the enemy. Company A was commanded by Captaiu Clark, and Com- pany E by First Lieutenant Maxwell. I then moved the remainder of the regiment to within 40 yards of the side of the earthworks and opened fire, driving therefrom three guns. which appeared to me to be facing the southwest. I found there was no artillery facing the side I was on, and it would have been very easy for me to have gone into the fort, pro- vided I could have crossed a stream between me and the earthworks about 20 yards in width,with apparently 4 or 5 feet of water and the mud very soft; the men therefore could not cross. After getting into this position the enemy soon opened on me from a battery that was about 200 yards in our rear, throwing grape into the ranks, from which we suffered severely. In a short time they opened fire with rifles and infantry. At the same time a battery about a mile north of us opened on us with round shot and shell, one shot from which killed a captain and non-commissioned officer, yet the men stood all these fires and obeyed orders promptly. There soon appeared on our left a body of the enemy, forming in three battalions, in which form they marched to re-enforce the earthwork in front of us. During this time I had informed the gen- eral of our position and of the above-mentioned re-enforcements. At this time the Third Rhode Island made an attack on the force in my rear, materially assisting me in my position. Meanwhile the re-enforcements of the enemy had come in range of our fire, and I opened fire on them with good effrct, but they were so well covered that they succeeded in throwing a portion of the force into the fort, and there, being well covered, their fire on us was very severe, and detracted our fire from the re-enforcements and gave them an op- portunity to throw them all into the fort. Their number was so large we could not cope with them to any advantage, and by this time the other batteries, both in our rear and the one at the north of us, opened a fresh fire on us with more effect than ever. Some of my men by this time had fired over 50 rounds and many of the guns were very foul, some even having to shoot away their rammers, being unable to draw them. Finding at this time that I was far in advance of all our forces and seeing some of the forces retiring from the field, and as it appeared of no advantage to hold my position any longer, I gave the order to retire, which the regiment did in good order, to the old buildings frqm which we started. I soon received orders to fall back in the rear of some of our forces, and in a short time after reaching that position orders to return to camp. All my command, with one exception, behaved so well that it is hard to discriminate in favor of any few, but a number of cases coming under my personal observation, I will take this opportunity to mention them. The field officersMajor Bedel, acting lieutenant-colonel; Captain Plimpton, acting majorrendered me great assistance, coolly per- forming all their duties and encouraging officers and men by their exi mple. Adjutant Libby and Sergeant-Major Copp rendered me great assist- ance. The adjutant was several times much exposed in carrying orders, but came out of the fight unscarred. Of the captains I would particularly mention for meritorious con- duct Captains I)onohoe, of Company C; Wilbur, of Company B, and Randlett, of Company F. His (Captain Donohoes) company was st Page 80 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. tioned on the left and received the first fire of the enemys re-enforce- meuts, which wounded his lieutenant and orderly-sergeant and many of his men. Captain Wilbur, with his company, was next in line and much exposed to the enemy~s fire. He was cool and continually en- couraging his men. Captain iRandletts company was under a severe fire, during which l~he captain kept his men in order and set them a good example. First Lieutenant [H. C.] Handerson, commanding Company G, was in position near Company C, and handled his company finely, with the assistance of Second Lieutenant Cody, detailed from Company C to assist him. Lieutenant Cody was shot through the thigh and Lieu- tenant Handerson was shot in the arm. Captain Dow, of Company II, although he carried his company on the field in good shape, behaved very imprudently while there, making remarks about the impossibility of our sustaining our position and the impropriet.y of our remaining in that position; all this in the hearing of his men discouraging the men, taking their attention from the enemy in front of us. Among the non-commissioned officers and privates who are worthy of special mention are Orderly-Sergeants [Jonah] Libby, of Company B; [Joseph J.] Donohoe, of Company C; [M. P.] Hawkins, of Company I, and [W. H.] Trickey, of Company G, who came under my personal observation; also Second Sergeant [N. J.] Campbell, of Company K. Qaptain Clark, of Company A, reports that First Sergeant [R. W.] Houghton deserves mention for the faithful manner in which he per- formed his duty on that day, but my space will not allow me to men- tion all who are worthy of mention for their good conduct. We went into the fight with 26 officers and 597 enlisted men, and 104 were killed and wounded. Surgeon Moulton was absent from the regiment from Sunday morn- ing, the 15th instant, until Wednesday morning, the 18th, without my consent, and therefore the whole duty of the hospital department de- volved upon Asst. Sarg. B. F. Eaton, who faithfully performed his duties to the sick and wounded soldiers. With great respect, this report is respectfully submitted. JOHN H. JACKSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Third New Hampshire Vole. Actg. Brig. Gen. ROBERT WILLIAMS. No. 19. Report of Capt. Alfred F. Sears, First New York Engineers. CAIn OF COMPANY E, NEW YORK VOL. ENGINEERS, Second Div., Northern Dist., Department of the South, James Island, S. C., June 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit, in accordance with to-days circular, the following report of our part in the action of yesterday: By order of General Stevens my company was constituted the pioneer corps of the attacking column, and moved forward in the rear of the forlorn hope, provided with engineering implements to remove obstruc- tions, the men having their muskets slung upon their backs. When the line charged upon the enemys battery we withdrew to the rear of the right, as directed, to await orders, and before reaching th Page 81 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 81 fort were ordered to render the artillery such assistance as they needed in crossing the field. Accordingly I marched to the left and proceeded to open a road through the dike to the left and front of our field bat- tery then nearest the fort. The enemy discovered the proceeding, and, determined to prevent the passage, distributed his favors between the battery and my little company. The fire was dreadful for a time, but by keeping the unemployed under cover of the dike, and carefully watching the enemy to protect those at work, we succeeded in filling both ditches and making a good road. While engaged in the operation at this point the half-completed open- ing was adopted as an embrasure for one field piece, and the enemy became more severe in his fire, holding the two corps in range. Having remained with the artillery to assist them to the rear I was ordered to clear the causeway on the right in rear. We found large timber of pine and live oak thrown across the road at various points, which were cleared away, and we returned to near the position occu- pied by the artillery to await orders, our labor eiiding with widening the road by which the battle-field was entered and left. Some of my men having received the order to uflsling muskets and fix bayonets just before the charge, and supposing they were to have part in that movement, dropped axes and shovels and rushed forward to charge with the advancing column. I thus lost the use of some im- plements. I respectfully submit that our efficiency would have been increased if we had entered the field unencumbered with arms and accouter- mentsunless indeed we could have been provided with pistols and sabers for our defense in case of need. The sabers would form a useful implement also in clearing entanglements, abatis, and hedges. As it was, we found it impossible to move with the horses of the artillery without great exhaustion. Nothwithstanding their fatigue the men wnrked with zeal and energy. I find it difficult to name separately any man of my company when so many of them did their whole duty; but a striking instance of bravery occurred in the conduct of Corpl. George D. Hughes, who on two occasions, when the men for a moment shrank under the galling fire of grape, sprang upon the dike nearest the enemy and worked till exhausted, thus inciting the men by his example and securing the rapid completion of the work in hand. Corporals Mandeville and Duggan were also examples of bravery to the men. I have especial pleasure in mentioning the conduct of my first lieutenant, Hiram Farrand, whose singular coolness and efficiency in the midst of the worst fire have increased my appreciation of his character and made him the pride of his company. I have already reported 1 wounded. The casualty occurred on the dike above mentioned, where Cartright was earnestly at work in discharge of his duty. Mr. Farrand and myself had occa- sion to notice that the enemys sharpshooters were not confined to the fort and that our standing together drew their favors. On our return from the field with the artillery my men found and cap- tured a rebel outlier hidden in a ditch. He was sent to the rear and given in proper charge. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED F. SEARS, Captain Gompany E, New York Volunteer Engineer8. Capt. HAZARD STEVENS A. A. G., Second Div., North. Dist., Dept. South, U. S. A. 6 u ILVOL XI Page 82 82 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVL Xo. 20. Report of Capt. Alfred P. Rockwell, First Connecticut Battery. JAMES ISLAND, June 17, 1862. Siu: I have the honor to report, for the information of the command- ing general, the part taken by the First Lioht Battery, Connecticut Vol- unteers, in the attack yesterday upon the enemy at Secessionville, S. C. In compliance with orders received frotn Brigadier-General Stevens, commanding Second Division, the two sections of the First Connecticat Battery were ready to move at 2.30 oclock in the morning. The section of 12-pounder howitzers, under command of Licut. S. B. Porter, too kits place in the First Brigade immediately in rear of the Seventh Con- necticut Regiment; the remaining section, under commaiid of Licat. William T. Seward, immediately in rear of the First Brigade, and all moved forward with the column. On reaching the causeway the rifled section was halted by order to allow the Second Brigade to pass by. It then moved forward in the rear of this brigade. The howitzer section on reaching the field moved obliquely across the field iu rear of the two advancing regiments as rapidly as the extremely uneven surface of the gronnd would admit, and took up a position on the left of the Eighth Michigan Regiment at a point about 300 yards from the Tower, and opened fire upon the enemys earthwork very soon after the enemy had commenced firing. In the mean time the rifled section had arrived ripon the field and was advancing to the support of the pieces already in posi- tion, when orders were received to send forward one I)iece only, and that I should plant the other piece in the road to l)rotect the left flank. I accordingly sent the one piece, under command of Lieutenant Seward, to support Lieutenant Porter. He joined him, and the three pieces kept up a constant fire until after the infantry had fallen back to the hedge. The pieces were then withdrawn in good order to the road. Here the two sections took position and opened fire upon the enemys works at a 4istance of about 1,500 yards, firing constantly and regularly until after the enemys guns had ceased to answer. When the infantry were again moved forward on our right the how- itzer section, in obedience to orders, advanced to support them, with in- structions to fire canister. They took up a position and maintained it under a heavy fire of grape, canister, arid solid shot from the enemys earthworks, at a distance of from 400 to 300 yards, until the retreat was ordered. The rifled section was sooii ordered up to support the how- itzers, and accordingly moved rapidly forward. Finding upon examination that I had fired away nearly all my ammu- nition I sent Lieutenant Seward back to camp for a fresh supply, which arrived on the ground just after the retreat to the wood had been effected. The four pieces continued firing from the advanced positions which they held until the retreat was ordered. It was here that I had 4 horses killed. The retreat was effected in good order, one piece at a time, so as not to give the eiiemy a point to concentrate his fire, to the corn field in the rear of the wood, where the battery was ready to move in any direction ordered. While preparation was being made to plant the pieces on the line of the road a further retreat was ordered, and the battery moved off and took up a position near the causeway, supported by cavalry, to cover the retreat should the enemy advance. Subsequently we moved back to camp, leaving one section at the headquarters of the reserve pickets Page 83 CHAP. XXVI] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 83 It remained there all day until 10 oclock at night, when in compliance with orders it moved back to camp. It gives me pleasure to notice the cool courage and good judgment of Lieutenant Porter and Lieutenant Seward, the former of whom had command during the action of the howitzers, and was more particularly exposed to the enemys fire; and I would also call attention to the ad- mirable behavior and unflinching courage shown by the non-commis- sioned officers and privates of my command as well as to their ready and prompt obedience of orders. After leaving the field I found that there were still remaining 31 rounds to each one of the four pieces, of which, however, ten only were shell and spherical case, the balance being canister. During the action, therefore, more than 500 rounds, almost entirely of shell and spherical case shot, were fired. I have to add that I suffered no loss in killed, wounded, or missing. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED P. ROCKWELL, GapkLin, Commanding First Light Battery, Connecticut Vols. Capt. HAZARD STEVENS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Div., North. Dist., Dept. of the south. P. S.llaving no wounded of the battery to attend to, Assistant Sur- geon llurlbut rendered most efficient service in bringing in the wounded from the field and assisting in the care of the wounded of other regi- ments. No. 21. Report of Maj. Edwin Metcalf, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. JAMES ISLAND, S. C., June 18, 1862. LTEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with the instructions received on the evening of the 15th instant from the acting brigadier-general commanding the First Division, headquarters brigade, my battalion was held in readiness to move at 3 oclock on the morning of the 16th. Company I, Captain Strahan, being detailed for duty at the battery in advance of the First Brigade, and a detachment under Lieutenant Metcalf~ of Company K, remaining in charge of the battery at this point, my command comprised but five companiesB, E,F, II, and Knumbering 360 enlisted men, with 2 field, 3 staff, and 14 company officers. Leading the brigade, three companiesB, F, and Kof my battalion were deployed as skirmishers, under the direction of Major Sisson, at the entrance of the wood covering the approach to the rebel battery. The other companies marched steadily to the front, halting in a posi- tion to support the troops of the First Brigade, who had fallen back, and being joined at this point by the parties thrown out as skirmishers. After again advancing in line, under orders to support the Ninety- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, the battalion for this purpose crossed the marshy ground flanking the enemys battery. We had hardly formed in line of battle and commenced firing when an order came to capture a field battery in their rear, which was firing with a fatal effect on the Third New Hampshire Regiment. The battalion was immediatel Page 84 84 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVL ordered to about face and advanced upon the thicket behind which the enemys field guns were concealed. In effecting this object we encountered a galling fire from the enemys sharpshooters in the thicket at our front and left, and many were wounded in our ranks; but all pressed forward, the men cheering and firing with spirit. I urged them to the cover of the wood as rapidly as possible, and with great diffi- culty they forced their way in, encountering small parties of rebels, many of whom were shot and bayoneted, 1 prisoner being secured. A few of my men succeeded in reaching the inner edge of the thicket and gaining sight of the field guns, 3 in number, without horses, and supported a;)parently by only two or three companies of infantry. I felt confident of securing them, but the Third New Hampshire iRegi- ment having fallen back, I deemed it my duty to order my men to retire, which they did in good order, but slowly and reluctantly, bring- ing off such of our dead and wounded as could be seen on our way. Feeling my utter want of experience, I have great hesitation in speak- ing of the conduct of those under my command, some of whom were, not like myself, for the first time under fire. I keenly appreciate the honor of leading such men into battle, and cannot too highly praise their coolness, steadiness, and courage. If any faltered, I was spared the shame of seeing it. Where all did their duty so well I mention a few whose bearing was conspicuous, without detracting from the merits of others: Maj. II. T. Sisson deserves much credit for his successful management in the skirmishes during the advance and for his constant efforts to aid me in carrying out the various orders received in the course of the morning. I take great pleasure in speaking of the~adjntant of the battalion, First Lient. J. Lanahan, of Company I, always prompt and cool, and sustaining me in every difficulty by his good judgment and long expe- rience as a soldier. First Lieut. A. E. Greene, commanding Company B, was especially energetic and active. Second Lieut. E. S. Bartholomew, of Company E, nobly proved himself deserving the commission he had received since our departure from Hilton Head, falling mortally wounded while cheering on his men into the thicket from which the enemy so severely annoyed us. Capt. H. Rogers, jr., and First Lieut. C. iR. Bray- ton, of Company H, were untiring in their exertions and zealously sup- Ported me. First Lient. A. W. Colwell, of Company F, and Second Licut. 1). B. Churchill, of Company K, particularly attracted my notice by their coolness and energy. I am pleased to name First Sergt. G. W. Greene and Sergt. J. B. Batchelder, of Company B; First Sergt. 0. A. Thompson, of Company F, and First Sergt. W. Wheeler, jr., of Company K, as distinguished for gallant conduct. I shall feel justified in recommending them to the Governor of Rhode Island for promotion. It is with a bitter feeling of regret, though with no sense of shame, that I have to report the serious loss sustained by my battalion: One sergeant and 6 privates killed; 2 officers, 4 corporals, and 24 privates wounded; 1 corporal and 7 privates missing. Total, 45. I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN METCALF, Major, Comdg. Second Battalion, Third R. L Artillery. Liet~t. CHANNJNG CLAFF, 4eting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 85 CHAP. XXVI] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 85 No. 22. Report of Capt. Lucius lIli. iS~argent, Jr., First Massachusetts Cavalry. JAMES ISLAT~D, S. C., June 17, 1862. At 10 oclock p. in., June 15, 1862, ordered by General Stevens to have my command ready to march at 1 oclock a. in. with 60 rounds cartridges and twenty-four hours rations. Ready at 1 oclock, with 1 lieutenant and 27 men, including non-commissioned officers and 1 bugler. Immediately ordered by Captain Stevens, assistant adjutant- general, to get my men into line, leave them in camp, and report myself to the general. Did so. Ordered by the general to detail 4 orderlies for Colonel Fenton, of the Michigan Eighth, to return to camp, to follow the main body at dawn and then act according to circumstances. Let the men sleep until nearly dawn, and then took them across the cause- way, and placed them in a tolerably safe position behind a wooded ridge by the road-side. Told orderlies as they passed to report my position to the general. Remained there about two hours. The rebels then got the range of the causeway. I led the men across it again at a walk and drew up behind the woods. Immediately I received orders from Genend Stevens to resume, as I understood, my former position and await orders. Did so, crossing the causeway at a trot. Leaving the troop with the lieutenant, rode forward to the general, who ordered me to bring my men on at once and form them in the corn field in the most protected situation and to charge if the retreat became disordered by the enemys advance. After placing the men in the corn field, ordered by the general to reconnoiter toward the left with 6 men. Did so pretty thoroughly, and discovered no signs of the enemys advance. Ordered to return and follow up the retreat by Captain Stevens, assist- ant adjutant-general. Did so at a walk. Presently informed by Cap- tain Stevens that the rebel sharpshooters were close upon us and advised to move more rapidly. Closed np with the column at a trot. Ordered by the general to post vedettes and reconnoiter generally till fresh infantry pickets should arrive. We were utterly unable to dis- cover any trace of the enemys advance. Soon received orders from Captain Stevens to withdraw the vedettes. Did so, the infantry pickets being posted. During the action 2 of my horses were killedi being shot in the head, the other in the body; and 2 of my men were wounded severely 1 in the hand, groin, and thigh, the other in the leg. Another, whose horses head was blown to pieces, was stunned and considerably bruised by his fall. The mens conduct excellent. LUCIUS M. SARGENT, Jn., Captain, Company 114 First ]iihusachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. No. 23. Reports of Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding De partment of South Carolina and Georgia. CHARLESTON, S. C., June 16, 1862. The loss of the enemy this morning in killed left on the field is not less than 150. We have taken wounded prisoners not less than 65 Page 86 86 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. IXYL prisoners iiot wounded, 42. The number of dead is probably greater. They removed some dead and wounded. Our killed about 20; wounded, perhaps 30. J. C. PEMBERTON, ]IIajor- General, Coin~nanding. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, S. C., June , 1862. GENERAL: I trust it will not be considered irrelevant, in officially reporting the action of June 10 between our forces and those of the United States on James Island, to refer briefly to the connection which this affair had with certain alterations I had adopted in the plan of defense established prior to my assignment to the command of this department. After a thorough personal examination of Coles Island, its defenses and approaches, I was convinced that, however desirable in many respects it might be to continue its occupation, there were disadvan- tages not to be overcome with the means at my (lisposal. I deemed it therefore essential to the safety of Charleston that the batteries on Coles and Battery Islands should be transferred to a more defensible position on the James Island side of the Stono River. This change would draw in our lines to the best supporting distance, and compel a land attack upon our intrenched position across James Island, flanked on the right by the proposed fort on the ~tono and on the left by the advanced work at Secessionville. This design was carried into execu- tion. A strong and commanding work was erected on the Stono, com- pletely controlling that river in the direction of the inlet of the same name, as well as the approach through North EdistG Inlet an(L the mouth of Wappoo Cut. The intrenched lines to the east of James Island Creek were also greatly strengthened by a system of interior redoubta and redans. Early in May the guns were removed from Coles and Battery Islands. On the 13th of the same month the abduc- tion of the steamer Planter by her negro crew gave the enemy infor- mation of the abandonment of Coles Island. The services of skillful pilots among these negroes were immediately avaiJed of; and the en- emys gunboats entered the river about the 17th. Under cover of their fire he commenced landing his troops on James Island on June 2. us force was gradually increased until it was believed to have amounted to from 10,000 to 12,000 of all arms. Between June 2 and 15 several skirmishes occurred, the results of which were duly reported by the immediate commander and the reports forwarded to the War Depart- ment,. The enemy kept up at intervals a heavy fire from his gunboats, varying from five to eight in number, against Secessionville, from posi- tions on the Stono and a branch of Folly River, as also from a land battery, established under cover of his boats, on a point distant about a mile from our own battery at Secessionville. No injury was, how- ever, done to our works; 1 man was killed in his tent and several wounded. A few shell were thrown in the direction of the new fort on the Stono at long range, but no attempt was made to engage the fort at a less distance than 24 miles. About 4 a. in. on the 16th the enemy drove in or captured our pickets some 800 yar(ls in front of the battery at Secessionville, and advancing rapidly upon this work in line of battle arrived within a few hundred yards of it before our guns could open upon him Page 87 CHAP. Xxvii ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 87 To the culpable negligence of the pickets is to be attributed the near approach of the enemy before he was discovered. The men, however, were at their guns, which were at once well and rapidly served. Lieu- tenant-Colonels Gaillards and Smiths battalions (Charleston and Pee Dee) were moved promptly into position, under the orders of Col. T. G. Lamar, the heroic commander of the post. The enemy was driven back in confusion and with great loss. A second attempt after he had received re-enforcements met with a similar result, and a third was equally unsuccessful. A flank movement was then attempted against the right of the battery, but was rel)ulscd by the Charleston Bat. talion, aided by the Louisiana Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel MeEnery, which had been promptly dispatched by Col. Johnson Ha- good, the immediate commander, to the support of Secessionville on the first intimation of the enemys advance upon that po~itiou, and which arrived in time to participate hilly in the dangers and glory of this admirable repulse. On the evening of the 15th II directed Brigadier-General Evans to send sufficient re-enforcements to Secessionville to relieve the Louisiana [Bat- talion] of the arduous duties in which it had been engaged for a numlier of days previous. A detachmei~t of 4 officers (Capt. J. Jamison com- manding) and 100 men of Colonel Goodletts Twenty-second South Caro- linaVolunteers came up just in time to meet the first onset of the enemy, performing most excellent service and sustaining a loss of 10 killed and 7 wounded. For further details of the action immediately in front of Secessionville I respectfully refer to the reports herewith, of Brig- adier-General Evans, Col. T. G. Lamar, and his subordinate command- ers; and for those details resultingfroiu the enemy~s flank movement upon Secessionville to Brigadier-General Evans report, to that of Col. John- son ilagood, First South Carolina Volunteers, who had been assigned to the command of an advanced corps, composed of his own regiment, the Twenty-fourth South Carolina, Col. C. H. Stevens, the EutaXv Bat- talion, Lieutenant-Colonel Simonton, and the Louisiana Battalion, Lieu- tenant-Colonel MeEnerythe latter, as before stated, was early dis- patched to the support of Secessionville, the remaining corps greatly aiding in the first and complete defeat of the enemy. The report of each of the above-named subordinate commanders is respectfully for- warded herewith. Not having been an eye-witness of this well-fought combat, it is im- l)ossible for me perhaps to commend where commendation is most due. Many of the best and bravest have fallen, among them Capt. S. J. Reed, Louisiana Regiment; Capt. Henry King, Charleston Battalion; First Lieut. John Edwards, of the same command, and Second Lieut. R. W. Greer, Eutaw Battalion, and First Sergt. James M. Baggott, who fell while serving his piece as No. 1, and was immediately succeeded by his company commander, the gallant and lamented Reed. My estimation of the conduct of Col. T. G. Lamar is fully expres~d in my General Orders, No. 30, of June 17. His undaunted courage was an example well followed by those who surrounded him. Lieutenant- Colonels P. C. Gaillard, A. D. Smith, and J. McEnery,Maj. D. Ramsay, Capt. J. Jamison, were each in command of their respective corps dur- ing the whole or a part of the action, and are highly commended in the report of Colonel Lamar. I refer to his and to the reports of the offi- cers above named for records of further instances of individual gal- lantry. In like manner I refer to the reports of Brigadier-General Evans, to Colonel Hagood, and to his subordinate commanders, Col. C. fl. Stevens and Lieutenant-Colonel Simonton and to Colonel Goodlett Page 88 88 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. who, all deserving high praise themselves, have doubtless bestowed it where it is best deserved. I inclose herewith a list of killed, wounded, and missing, amounting in the aggregate to 204.* Many of those reported as wounded were but slightly so. 1 also inclose a list of those most highly commended by commanders. From the best information I have received I estimate the loss of the enemy to have been between 700 and 800. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Major- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [Inclosure.] In the r~port of Brig. Gen. Y. G. Evans. Col. T. G. Lamar, Lamars regiment South Carolina Artillery, for gallant and meritorious conduct. Lientenant-Colonel Gaillard, Charles- ton Battalion South Carolina Volunteers (mentioned particularly in re- port of Col. T. G. Lamar), gallant conduct. Lient. Col. A. D. Smith, Smiths battalion South Carolina Volunteers (mentioned particularly in report of Col. T. G. Lamar), gallant conduct. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, Company B, Lamars regiment artillery, fell gallantly fighting one of his guns (again mentioned in rej)ort of Col. T. G. Lamar). Personal stuffFirst Lieut. W. II. Rogers, special aide.de-camp, r~idered valuable service in transmitting orders under fire. Capts. R. B. Elliott, Samuel J. Corrie, and II. W. Carr, volunteer aides-de-camp, rendered valuable services in transmitting orders under fire. Assist. Surg. James Evans rendered material aid to the wounded. In the report of Gol. T. G. Lamar. Lient. Col. A. ID. Smith, Smiths battalion South Carolina Volun- teers, gallant and meritorious conduct (mentioned in report of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans). Lient. Col. P. C. Gaillard, Charleston Battalion, gallant conduct (mentioned in report of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans), sta- tioned in the center and on the right of the battery at Secessionville and subsequently in command of the battery. Maj. David Ramsay, Charkeston Battalion, meritorions conduct, on the right of the battery at Secessionville. Major llndson, Smiths battalion, meritorious con- duct, on the left of the battery at Secessionville. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, Company B, Lamars regiment artillery, fell fighting one of his guns in the battery at Secessionville (mentioned in Brigadier-General Evans report). Capt. F. T. Miles~ Calhoun Guard, Charleston Battal- ion, gallant conduct, stationed in battery at Secessionville. Capt. G. ID. Keitt, Lamars regiment artillery, great bravery. Lieutenants Bar- ton, Oliver, and Moseley, same regiment, great bravery. Senior First Licut. J. B. ilumbert, Company I, Lamars regiment artillery, spe- cially mentiOne(L for great bravery and valuable services, stationed in battery at Secessionville, 8-inch columbiad. Lieutenants Lancaster and Johnson, Company B, ~ regiment, and Lieutenant Bellinger, of same company, gallant conduct, in battery at Secessionville. Lieut. * Not found Page 89 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 89 J. B. Kitching, Company H, Lamars regiment, gallant conduct, Reeds battery, Clarkes house. Adjt. E. J. Frederick, Lamars regi- ment, gallant conduct, battery at Secessionville and Reeds battery at Clarkes house. Capt. W. W. McCreery, Ordnance Department, C. S. Army, rendered valuable service at the 8-inch columbiad iii the battery at Secessionville. Captain Bonnean, Lieutenauts Matthews and Hall, C. S. Navy, rendered valuable service at the 8-inch coluinbiad in the battery at Secessionville. In the report of Got. S. D. Goodlett, Twenty-second Regiment South Carolina Volunteers. Capt. Joshua Jamison, Lients. L. S. Hill, H. II. Sally, and J. B. Cobb, valuable service and gallant conduct in sustaining the battery at Clarkes house. In the report of Got. C. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth Regiment South Caro- lina Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, gallant conduct in defending advanced battery of 24-pounder guns. Captain Tompkins, Company K, and Lieutenant l3eckham, Com- pany 0-, gallant conduct in holding advanced position until ordered to withdraw. In the report of Lieut. Got. A. D. Smith, Smiths battalion South Caro lina Volunteers. Lieutenant Campbell, Company F, gallant con(luct in personally re- pulsing an assaulting party on the left of the battery at Secessionville. Capt. W. H. Ryan, valuable service in battery at Secessionville. Lient. George Brown, Company F, and Licut. Alexander A. Alleniong, Irish Volunteers, valuable service in carrying ammunition through fire of artillery and infantry. Sergeant Hendricks, valuable service in carry- ing ammunition nuder heavy fire in battery at Secessionville. Private Joseph Tennent, of the Calhoun Guard, gallant conduct on the left of the battery at Secessionville. In report of Lieut. Got. C. fi. Simonton, Lutaw Battalion. Lieutenant Blum, Washington Light Infantry, Company B, gallant conduct; advanced position on right flank. Privates J. Campbell Mar- tin and T. Grange Simons, jr., gallant conduct; both severely wounded, but still fought until exhausted aild carried off (mentioned in report of Lieutenant Blum). In the report of Bent. R. A. Blum, commanding detaehm~nt of Eutaw Battalion. Private J. Campbell Martin and T. Grange Simons, jr., gallant con- duct (mentioned in report of Colonel Simonton). GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQES. DEPARTMENT OF S. C. AND GA., No. 30. Charleston, S. C., June 17, 18G2. The major-general commanding the department tenders his heartfel Page 90 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL thanks tG every officer and soldier of this command whose happy for- tune it was to participate in the glorious work of Monday, the 16th instant. To the gallant and indefatigable Col. T. G. Lamar and to the brave men who so steadfastly supported him special thanks are due, and to the noble dead a debt of deep and lasting gratitude. By order of Major-General Pemberton: J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 24. Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces in the engagement at Seces stonVille, James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862. (Compiled from the reports.] 47th Georgia 51st Georgia 4th Louisiana Battalion. 1st South Carolina Ar- tillery. * 1st SouthCarolina Vol. unteers. 1st South Carolina Bat- talion.t 9th South Carolina Bat talion4 22d South Carolina 24th South Carolina 25th South Carolina Killed. S H 1 2 1 Total J 5) 6 14 8 3 10 3 3 47 Wounded. Captured or missing. a ~ o 8 1 1 1 21 39 1 22 22 8 6 13 12 132 H 54 4~ ~ o ~ 1 1 2 2 2 1 28 55 1 42 29 18 12 18 7 204 Remarks. Lient. B. A. Graham killed. (No report.) Captain Walker wounde%1. Capt. Samuel J. Reed killed. Capt. HeuryC. RingandLient. John J. Edwards killed; Lieut. Col. P. C. Gaillard and Capts. Julius A. Blake, F. T. Miles, and It. P. Smith, and Lieuts. J. W. Aason, George Brown, John Burke, and F. It. Lynch wounded. Lient J. G. Beaty wounded. Lient. F.W.Andrewswounded. Lieut. Richard W. Greer killed, and Lieut. Samuel J. B.nrger wounded. * Afterward known as 2d South Carolina Artillery. Called the Charleston Battalion. Smiths Pee Dee Battalion. No. 25. Report of Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Second ]llilitary District of South Carolina. HDQRS. SECOND MILITARY DIST. SOUTH CAROLINA, Adams Run, June 19, 18412. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the troops nnder my command on James Island on the 16th instant: Command. Page 91 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMLNT AT SECESSIONYILLE, S. C. 91 On th6 afternoon of the 15th instant I was informed by Col. T. G. Lamar, First Artillery, that from his observation of the movements of the enemy he was convinced that Secessionville would doubtless be attacked either on that night or on the morning of the 16th. I directed him, to hold his position; that he would be re-enforced if neces- sary. At 2 oclock on the morning of the 16th instant I received a note from him informing me that the enemy were advancing. I ie- paire(l to Clarkes house as soon as possible, where I arrived at 4.15 a. in., when I found Col. Johnson ilagood, First South Carolina Volun- teers, had, in his untiring vigilance, ordered three regiments to be in readiness for an immediate attack, and had already sent a detachment of Colonel Goodletts regiment to the support of Colonel Lamar, wateh- ing closely the movements of the enemy in front of Secessionville. I determined to re-enforce the place to 2,000 strong, and immediately ordered the Fourth Louisiana Battalion and Colonel Goodletts regi- ment to repair at double-quick and report to Colonel Lamar at Seces- sionville. Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery with his battalion arrived jast in time to receive the second assault of the enemy and to materially aid in repulsing him. At this time I received a message from Colonel Hagood that the enemy were approaching on our right, and asking re- enforcements. I directed him to attack the enemy, and immediately ordered the Fifty-first Georgia and Colonel Williams regiment to re- pair to his assistance. The engagment now became general on both wings. Col. C. II. Stevens, who was with Colonel ilagood, seeing that the 24-pounder battery near Clarkes house was not being fired, directed Lieutenant- Colonel Capers, of his regiment, to take command of his battery and to fire on the enemy, with which, though one piece was dismounted, he did gallant and effective service, firing constantly into the flank of the enemy. On the third assanit of the enemy Lieutenant-Colonel Capers was very successful with his piece, piercing the columns of the enemy eleven times. For the details of the gallant defense of the works at Secessionville I would respectfully refer the major-general commanding to the official reports of the immediate commanders, herewith submitted. Three times did that heroic band repulse (often at th~ point of the bayonet) a force thrice their strength, ~nnder the fire of their gunboats and four stationary or land batteries. About 10 oclock the enemy retreated in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded on the field, a number lying in our trenches. The loss of the enemy I have been unable to ascertain, but from what I saw was at least 400 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The dead of the enemy immediately in front of the Secessionville works numbered 168, while 42 wounded had been brought within the work. The dead I directed to be immediately buried and the wounded to be removed to the hospital. A considerable number of arms and accouterments were cal)tured, a partial return of which will be found in the paper marked G.* A full report of these arms I directed Captain MeCreery, ordnance officer, to make to the chief of ordnance in Charleston. At 12 in. I received a note from the major-general commanding that he was at Brigadier-General Gists headquarters, asking if I wished re-enforcements; that they were ready. I replied through my aide-de- camp that I thought the enemy was leaving his position, as he was barning the houses he had first occupied. I then joined the major- See Report No. 34, p. 104 Page 92 92 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI general commanding and accompanied him to Secessionville to inspect the works, as well as to ascertaiii our loss and the situation and condi- tion of our troops. After giving instructions relative to the wounded and (lead, also, as to the arms captured, I returned to my headquarters, and in accordance with instructions from the major-general command- ing ordered Col. P. II. Colquitt to repair with his regiment of Georgia Volunteers as soon as possible and relieve Colonel Goodlett, in com- mand of Secessionville. Colonel Goodlett and his command were coin- pletely worn down and exhausted. I would here state that I had be- fore directed Colonel Lamar to send all his exhausted men to the rear on the arrival of Colonel Goodletts command, which order left him but 150 men for duty. The troops at Secessionville on the morning of the 16th were much fatigued, as they had been engaged at work in the in- trenchments during the entire night, and many were entirely worn-out~ when the action commenced in the morning. In reference to the action on our right I would respectfully refer for particulars to the reports of Colonels ilagood and C. II. Stevens, here- with inclosed. To my personal staffFirst Lient. W. H. Rogers, special aide-de- camp; Capts. II. E. Elliott, Samuel J. Corrie, an(l EL W. CarrI am much indebted for their untiring exertions in transmitting nmy orders under lire. Asst. Surg. James Evans, of my staff; rendered material aid to the wounded who were brought to the rear. In conclusion, I would add that at 8 a. m. Brig. Gen. W. D. Smith joined me at Clarkes house, where I directed him to take command of the right wing and attack the enemy vigorously.~ I have received no report from him, but take it for granted the reports of Colonels Hagood and Stevens cover the action of the troops on the right. To the dauntless Lamar and the trool)s under his command at the commencement of the assault, the Charleston Battalion, Lieutenant- Colonel Gaillard; Lieutenant-Colonel Smiths battalion, and companies of Lamars regiment engaged, the country, and South Carolina in par- ticular, owe a debt of gratitude and thanks which I know a grateful people will acknowledge. For the gallant dead the country will ever monrn. The intrepid Reed fell while cheering his men to victory, just as the enemy were repulsed. The reports herewith inclosed will give casualties on our side: 39 killed ,93 wounded, and 2 missing; total, 134.* No report has been received from Lieutenant-Colonel Smiths battal- ion. Col. T. G. Lamars report will be forwarded as soon as received. Herewith I also inclose you a copy of a letter from Brigadier-General Stevens, commandii~g the Federal forces, and also of my reply. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. G. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. iR. WADDY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Charleston, S. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] IIDQRS. SECOND MILITARY DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, James Island, S. C., June 18, 1862. To the COMMANDING- GENERAL Of the Confederate Forces on James Island, S. C.: SIR: In the action of the 16th it is known that some of our dead, * But see Report No. 24. The discrepancy is not explained by the records Page 93 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 93 and it i~ probable that a iew of our wounded, were left at or in rear of your works. In compliance with the urgent wishes of friends and in accordance with my own convictions of propriety and of duty I have determined to send a flag of truce to ascertain the names of the killed and of the wounded, and if practicable to recover the bodies of the dead. It will ever be my determination to conform in the most ample manner to the usages of civilized and Christian warfare, and I have seen to it that all of your men who are now lirisoners in our hands have been treated with courtesy and respect. I am glad to learn that on your part the same course has been taken toward the prisoners recently taken by you. The bearers of the flag I now send to you are my division surgeon, Dr. George S. Kemble, and my aide-dc-camp, Capt. William T. Lusk, and I trust you will find it consistent with your duty to extend to them every proper facility to procure information in regard to their missing comrades, and if pos8ible to recover the remains of the dead. We shall be glad to send money and clothing to our I)risoners in your hands, and in return will see that all articles of necessity and comfort which their friends desire to send safely reach your men pris- oners with us. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedientq ISAAC I. STEVENS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. (Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS, James Island, S. C., June 18, 1862. Brigadier-General STEVENS, Commanding Federal Forces, & e.: GENERAL: Your communication, through a flag of truce borne by Dr. George S. Kemble and Capt. William T. Lusk, has just been re- ceived, and in reply thereto II have the honor to state that the infor- mation desired as to the names and condition of your wounded in the engagement of the 16th instant will be cheerfully furnished you at an early hour. The wounded having been sent to the city of Charleston it is necessary to communicate with that place first. I have also to state that your dead as far as found have been decently interred. It has ever been the custom of our armies to conform to the usages of civilized and Christian ~varfare, and our Jyonr] wounded and pris- oners have been and are being well cared for in all respects. I send this by my aide-de-camp, Capt. W. II. Rogers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. G. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Confederate Forces. No. 26. Report of Col. T. G. Lamar, First South Carolina Artillery.* GENERAL: Through the interposition of Providence it becomes my duty to report to you that the forces under my command gained a com- plete victory over the enemy on the 16th instant at Secessionville Neck. * ~~ appears that up to August 31, 18G2, there were two First Regiments South Car- olina Artillery. Lamars regiment became the Second Page 94 94 COASTS OF 8. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. On the morning of June 16 about 4 oclock my pickets were driven in, and reported to me that the enemy were advancing in force and had already passed Rivers house, distant from my batteries about three- fourths of a mile. I immediately dispached a courier to Lieutenant- Colonels Gaillard and Smith, ordering them to move up their battalions at once and to General Evans to inform him of the advance of the foe, and I then proceeded to my batteries, where I found a detachment at each gun (having or(lered such to be the case day and night). When I arrived at the batteries I found that the enemy were within 700 yards, in line of battle, and advancing on inc at the double-quick. I ordered the 8-inch columbiad to be loaded with grape, which order was promptly obeyed by Lient. J. W. Moseley, of Company I, whom I found at the battery on my arrival. I mounted the chassis and pointed the gun myself. In the mean time Sergt. James M. Baggott, of Captain Reeds company (B), fired upon the advancing line from the rifled 24-pounder gnu to the left of the columbiad, and of which he was the gunner. My reason for pointing the columbiad myself was to fire at the center of the line and thereby break it, in order to cause confusion and delay, so that I might get my infantry into position previous to their reaching my lines. The shot had the desired effl~ct; they immediately flanked to the right and left. I then ordered the columbiad to be loaded with canister, which was promptly done, and I again pointed it. I then left the battery to get my infantry into position. On leaving the battery I met Lient. J. B. ilumbert, of Company I (under whose command the columbiad was), within two or three paces of the battery, and directed him to give them canister freely, which he did. I theii ordered Capt. T. Y. Simons to go to Lieutenant-Colonels Gaillard and Smith and tell them to hurry up their battalions. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, of the Pee Dee Battalion, first attracted my attention, wherenpon I ordered him to take position on the left. Although the enemy had then reached the left flank and were pouring in a murderous fire on my men at the guns, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith obeyed with promptness and soon drove them from their position. I then ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard to take position oil my right and center, which was promptly done. It was not long aftnr getting my infantry into position that the enemy were driven back in confusion. They were soon, however, re-enforced and made another desperate charge, when I again drove them back; a third time they came, but only to meet with a most determined ic- pulse. They then made a flank movement on my right, on the west of Secessionville, and on the other side of tile creek, where they were gallantly met by the Charleston Battalion, which was soon re-enforce4 by the Louisiana Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Mc- Enery, who also gallantly met them with a cheer. At this time I was so much exhausted from loss of blood, from hav- ing been wounded in the head by a Minie ball on the second charge, that the command was turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard, and afterward to Lieutenant-Colonel Wagner, although I never ceased to give orders to my batteries. We achieved a great victory, yet it was at a considerable loss both in numbers and personal worth. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, of Barnwell District, and commanding Company B, fell while gallantly fighting at his gun. I may safely say that his place cannot be filled. He was everything that could be desired in an officer, and as brave, true, and gallant a man as ever sacrificed his life on a field of battle. Peace to his ashes Page 95 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIOKYILLE, S. C. 95 Lients. J. W. Lancaster and William Johnson, of Company B, who were in command of the two rifled 24-pounders, did great execution, although not having grape or canister. Lient. J. A. Bellinger, of the same company, who commanded the 18-pounders, poured a murderous fire into the approaching line, and in connection with the columbiad did more than anything else for the fortunes of the day. These gal- lant officers deserve the thanks of the country and I commend them to your notice. Capt. G. Ii). Keitt and Lieutenants ilumbert, XV. S. Bar- ton, T. P. Oliver, and Moseley all acted with great bravery and determi- nation. I cannot close this report without bringing to further notice Senior First Lieut. J. B. ilumbert, of Company 1, who acted with so mnch gallantry and determination in managing his gun, to which may be mainly attributed the fortunes of the day, not only on account of its caliber and weight of metal but to its well-directed fire and to the skill with which it was managed, and also Second Lients. T. P. Oliver and J. W. Moseley, of the same company, who rendered valuable assistance to Lieutenant Humbert. First Lient. Barton, of the same company, displayed g-reat skill and coolness in the management of the mortar, which had considerable effect upon the enemy. Too much praise can- not be given to these gallant officers and to the detachments under their command. Capt. F. T. Miles, of the Calhoun Guard, Charleston Battalion, who was stationed at my batteries during the previous night and whose command was the first placed in position, has my sincere thanks. He and his men fought like heroes and did all that men could do. Lient. Col. P. C. Gaillard and Maj. David Ramsay conducted them- selves with the utmost coolness and were as gallant as officers could be. They both, as well as their entire command, acted with commendable courage and determination and deserve the thanks of the country. Lieut. Col. A. D. Smith, commanding the Pee Dee Battalion and a most gallant officer, was the first that attracted my attention when the infantry were coming up to the engagement, and to him I am indebted for having relieved my left flank at a very critical time. I noticed that several of his men were shot down before he could get into position, and that, after the enemy had been driven back the first time and while they were on their second charge, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith went out upon the field in front of the battery, gathered up as many of the small-arms of the enemy as he could carry and gave them to his own men, whose guns had refused to fire. I commend him to your favorable notice. His command acted with great courage. My thanks are also due to Major Hudson, who acted with decided gallantry. I must also speak in high terms of the actions of Licut. J, B. Kitch- ing, of Company H, who was in command of the Reed Battery at Clarkes house, which battery consisted of two smooth-bore 24-pounder guns, and also of my adjutant, Lient. E. J. Frederick, who, seeing that the enemys sharpshooters were concealed on my right flank over the marsh and were picking off my men, proceeded immediately to the above battery, when he and Lieutenant Kitchings soon dislodged them and poured well-directed shots into them as they retreated. To Captain McCreery, of the Ordnance Department, as well as to Cap- tain Bonumean and Lieutenants Matthews and Hall, of our gunboat, I return my sincere thanks for their valuable services at the r~olumbiad battery Page 96 96 COASTS OF S. C, GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI The casualties in the two companies of my regiment that were en- gaged are as follows.* I estimate the loss of the enemy as near as I can at from 600 to 800; 341 of their dead are buried in front of my batteries; 107 were taken prisoners many wounded and who have since died, and I conjecture that some were drowned. Large quantities of their wounded were carried off by their ambulances. About 400 stand of small-arms fell into our hands, together with one horse wounded in the mouth, and numerous smaller articles. For the casualties in the Charleston Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard) and the Pee Dee Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Smitb),* to- gether with their reports concerning the behavior of officers and men, I beg leave to refer you to the accompanying documents, marked re- spectively A and B. t It is proper to state that the forces under my command did not amount to more than 500 men until the arrival of the Louisiana Bat- talion, but this small force manfully stood their ground against an assaulting force of from 1,000 to 5,000 men, among whom were the picked regiments of the enemy, the Seventy-ninth New York (High- landers) and the Eighth Michigan, notwithstanding that they had for fourteen days and nights been subjected to the most arduous duties. On Sunday night, the 15th instant, I received orders from Brigadier- General Evans to the efi~ct that, although it might require superhuman exertions, he expected me to take the guns off of the gunboat and place them in battery on land. This was impossible unless I had had a force and the means under my control that were necessary to move these guns. I therefore had to have the gunboat moved up to Secessionville, where there was a wharf. In the mean time I, with the two companies of my own regiment, proceeded to throw up the earthworks of the batteries, which was not completed until 3 oclock the next morning. My men were so much fatigued, not only from the night work but from a very spirited engagement the day previous, which lasted several hours, against the gunboats and land batteries of the enemy, that I allowed them to lie down to rest. They had hardly fallen asleep when the alarm was given, and this was the first time that any man was allowed to sleep without his arms in his hands and at the spot that he would have to use them during the time that I had been in command of the post. In conclusion, I would state that the great victory achieved on June 16 over such a superior force of the enemy is owing entirely to the patriotism, love of freedom, and indomitable courage of the officers and men under my command. Every man did his duty. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high regard, your obedient servant, T. G. LAMAR, Colonel, Commanding Post. Maj. Gen. JOHN C. PEMEERTON, Corndg. Department of South Carolina and Georgia. * Nominal list omitted. Losses tabulated in Report No. ~24, p. 90. t Embodied in inclosures, pp. 8889, to Pembertons report Page 97 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 97 [Correction.] HAMBURG, S. 0., July 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding: GENERAL: In my report to you I only estimated the loss of the enemy to be from 600 to 800; I now find that it is nearer 1,000 to 1,500. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, T. G. LAMAR, Colonel First Regiment Artillery, S. C. Volunteers. No. 27. Report of Miaj. David Ramsay, First South Carolina (Charleston) Bat talion. SECESSIONVILLE, JAMES ISLAND, S. C., June 21, 1862. COLONEL: I beg leave to forward to you a list of casualties in the Charleston Battalion in the engagement of the 16th instant.* It is hardly possible to enumerate the individual instances of valor and good conduct. All did their duty, and the list of dead and wounded will testify with what devotion. Out of about 100 men 40, besides the 2 of the field and staff, were killed or wounded. You are aware of the distinguished conduct and skill of Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard,in com- mand after you were wounded until the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery, and I only mention as peculiarly noticeable Lieutenant C~itmpbell, of Company F, who repulsed personally a storming party, using a handspike until he seized a rifle; also Mr. Josiah Tennent, of the Calhoun Guard, who felled no less than 6 of the enemy. Capt. William Ryans good service at a gun you can appreciate yourself. Lient. George Brown and Sergeant Hendricks, of Company F, deserve mention for bringing ammunition through a heavy fire, and most par- ticularly Licut. Alexander A. Allemong, of the Irish Volunteers, who passed and repassed a severe fire of musketry and cannon several times with ammunition in his arms. I have mentioned those especially noticeable, but can only repeat that I refrain from enumerating others simply because it would be to furnish a roll of those engaged. Very respeetfally, your obedient servajit, DAVID RAMSAY, Major, Commanding Charleston Battalion. Col. T. G. LAMAR. No. 28. Report of Col. S. D. Goodlett, Twenty-second South Carolina Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT S. C. VoLS., Camp on James Island, S. C., June 18, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the cas- nalties in my command originating from the fight of the 16th instant: 7 R RYOL XIV * Nominal list omitted. Losses embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90 Page 98 98 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CRAP. XXVI. In obedience to an order from headquarters I detailed 100 picked men, 10 from each company, to go as a fatigue party about 1 a. m. of the 16th instant to Secessionville. I placed Capt. Joshua Jamison in command of the detail, and Lieuts. L. S. Hill, H. H. Sally, and J. B. Cobb were detailed as lieutenants, thus completing a command of one company. This detail arrived at Secessionville in time to meet the first onset of the enemy. Captain Jamison and Lieuteuants Hill, Sally, and Cobb acted with great coolness, courage, and determination, and sus- tained and ~supported Captain Reeds battery to the last. The ranks of this detail, as will be seen by Exhibit A, * accompanying this report, were decimated. Killed, 10; wounded, 7. The balance of my command were ordered to support the battery to the right of Secessionville, where a galling fire was opened upon us from the enemys artillery without damage. We were then ordered to the support of Secessionville and arrived there at the close of the en- gagenient. I am happy to state that my command throughout acted with cool- ness and determination, and that too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Captain Jamison and the lieutenants and detail before alluded to, for the manner in which they demeaned themselves in the fight. Iwould state one fact before bringing this report to a close,that according to the numbers actively engaged the detail of 100 men made from my command under Captain Jamison suffered more in proportion than any of the forces engaged on our side. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, S. D. GOODLETT, Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-second Regt., South Carolina Vols. General EVANS, James Island, S. C. No. 29. Report of Col. Johnson Hagood, First South Carolina Infantry, command. ing advanced forces. HEADQUARTERS ADVANCED FORCES, James Island, S. C., June 184562. CAPTAIN: I am required to report the operations of the troops under my command on the 16th instant: Some days previously I had had the honor tobe placed in command of a corps composed of the First and Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteers, the Eutaw Battalion, and McEnerys Louisiana Battalion, to which were assigned the duties ofthe advanced guard. The force at Secessionville, however, continued to keep out in front of that position its own outposts, which were not under my command, and made no direct report to me. This has since been changed. On the night of the 15th and 16th the troops on outpost duty under my command consisted of seven companies of Stevens Twenty-fourth South Carolina Regiment, six companies of Hagoods First South Caro- lina Volunteers, and one company of the Forty-seventh Georgia Vol- unteers, Colonel Williams, all under the immediate charge of Colonel 5teven~. They covered the whole front of our lines from the Seces- sionville road to Newtown Cut. The picket from Secessionville covered * Not found Page 99 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 99 the space from the Secessionville road to the marsh on the left of our lines. At 4.30 a. m. on the 10th I received a dispatch from Colonel Stevens that the Secessionville pickets had been driven in and that the enemy were advancing in force upon that position. I immediately ordered under arms the portion of the First Regiment not on picket and Colonel Simontons Eutaw Battalion, directing them to proceed down the Bat- tery Island road in front of our intrenchments to the flank of the enemys advance, and ordered Colonel McEnerys Louisiana Battalion to pro- ceed in rear by the bridge to Secessionville, delivering these orders in person. Proceeding in advance down the Battery Island road, I ordered for- ward one of the two 6-pounders of Boyces battery stationed at the crossing of the Fort Johnson road, and arriving at the scene of action found the enemy making their second advance upon the post at Seces- sionville. A thicket of felled trees ran parallel with their line of ad- vance and about 400 yards west of it, on the edge of which next the enemy Colonel Stevens had deployed about 100 men, who had been on picket duty near that point. These men were from the companies of Captains Tompkins, Pearson (Lientenant ilamiter commanding), and Gooding (Lieutenant Beckham commanding), of the Twenty-fourth Regi- ment South Carolina Volunteers. The Battery Island road, so ob- structed as to be impassable b~ troops or vehicles, ran between this felled thicket and a dense wood stretching toward Grimballs, on the Stono. Simontons battalion coming up was placed behind the felled thicket in line of battle, its right resting near the Battery Island road~ and the detachment of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers was placed in reserve in the Battery Island road, throwing out a strong line of skirmishers toward the Stono (which runs nearly parallel with this road) to guard against an advance from that point. Boyces piece, under Lieutenant Jeter, was placed on Simontons left at the extremity of the felled thicket. The object of this disposition was chiefly defen- sive, as a general advance upon our lines, seemed imminent. Three regiments of infantry advanced in front of us, bu t beyond musket-range, to attack the west flank of the work at Secessionville, being supported by a battery of field artillery near the Battery Island road, in front of and beyond Simontons right. Lieutenant Jeter was directed to open upon these regiments, which he did with effect. I immediately sent to the general commanding, asking to be supported in making an attack upon the rear and flank of these regiments. When the permission to attack and the assurance of support arrived the enemy had retreated. In the mean while the fire of JeterA piece drew upon us a heavy fire from the enemys field battery, which, from the sheltered position of our troops, did but little damage, and four companies of the Third Rhode Island Regiment were sent in as skirmishers to seize the felled woods and capture the piece. Stevens skirmishers gallantly repelled them. A portion of the enemy, however, penetrated to Simontons line of bat- tle, and one of his companies and a platoon of another were for a few minutes engaged in driving them back. A few casualties in other por- tions of his line occurred from the random fire of the enemy engaged with our skirmishers, and one man in the detachment from the First Regiment was wounded in the same way. The enemy in retiring were seen carrying off their woflnded. Six men were left dead in front of our skirmishers;, 12 were left dead farther on toward Secessionville, where the three regiments spoken of were fired upon by Lieutenant Jeter, making their loss in this part of the field 18 killed; 11 prisoners wer Page 100 100 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVI. captured, of whom 8 were wounded; 68 small-arms, ~nost1y Enfield rifles, were abandoned by them and recovered by this command. Our loss was 8 killed, 2 wounded, and 2 missing. Appended is a detailed list of casualties.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, JOHNSON HAGOOD, Golonel First South Carolina Vols., Comdg. Advanced Forces. Capt. MALLORY P. KING, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS JAMES ISLAND, June 22, 1862. Colonel HAGOOD, Commanding Advanced Line, & c.: COLONEL: In the absence of General Evans, first in command on the 16th instant, allow me to thank you for your distinguished services on that day, and through you to thank Colonel Stevens and the other gal- lant officers and men under your command for their noble and gallant service at that time. Please make known my views to your command. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, WM. DUNCAN SMITH Brigadier-General, dommanding. No. 30. Report of Lieut. Col. J. McEnery, Fourth Louisiana Battalion. SECESSIONYILLE, JAMES iSLAND, S. C., June 20, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the battle of the 16th instant near Secessionville by my battalion: A little after dawn on the morning of the 16th instant Colonel Ha- good, commanding First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, came in person to my quarters, about 2~ miles distant from this place, and ordered me to have my battalion under arms and march immediately to the Secessionville battery, at which place an engagement with the enemy was being had. With promptness the battalion was formed, and the march, at double-quick, was begun in. the direction of Seces- sionville. When arrived at the first cross-roads some little delay en- sued arising from my ignorance of the road leading to Secessionville. After the lapse of a few moments 1 was assured as to the right road, and instantly the battalion was moved off at double-quick for the scene of action. Arriving at Secessionville, I was informed that the enemy in force were advancing on the right of the battery on the opposite side of the marsh, directly up the marsh to the bridge. I hastened my command at a run through an open ground to the woods on the marsh. In cross- * Embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90. Nominal list omitted Page 101 CUAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONYILLE, S. CX 101 ing this open marsh, and while placing the battalion in position on the outer edge of the woods, it was exposed to a terrific fire from the enemys gunboats, siege battery, fixed batteries, and small-arms. I I lien ordered the men to advance in the skirt of woods, the better to view the enemy and afford it protection from the incessant fire of the enemy. At this point for half an honr the fire on both sides was indeed terrific. Finally the enemy wavered, fell back, and then began his precipitate retreat on the right and in front. The gallant Lamar being struck down, and being the senior officer present I caused an incessant volley of grape and canister to be poured into the broken and retreating colnmns of the enemy until they passed beyond view. Colonel Goodlett, my senior officer, arriving about 1~ in., assumed command. I cannot speak in terms of too high praise of the coolness, bravery, and gallantry of the officers and men of my little command. I went into the action with 250 men and succeeded in putting to route twice that force of the enemy on the right. I think that this force of the enemy would undoubtedly have completely flanked the battery but for our timely arrival. The small band of brave men in the fort, exhausted and broken down in their almost superhuman exertions in repelling the foe in front, must have been unequal to the task of successfully engagiqg the enemy in front and on the right. It is impossible to arrive at a correct list of the slain and wounded of the enemy, as in his retreat he bore off the field many of his dead and wounded; 168 of the enemy were buried on the field. My battalion brought from the battle-field in front the following arms and accouterments, which have been delivered to the ordnance officer, viz: Enfleld rifles (in good condition) 27 Enfield rifles (damaged) 4 Rifled muskets (in good condition) 8:3 Springfield muskets (in good condition) 62 Springfield muskets (damaged) 6 Total 182 Cartridge boxes 78 Saddles 2 These arms and accouterments were gathered on that part of the field in front. Troops belouging to other commands, I understand, picked up a great many arms and accouterments on the height across the marsh. I suppose the above arms are about one-third of the number captured. The following is a list of casualties in my battalion, to wit :* This report would have been made earlier, but now is the first oppor- tunity since the battle that I have had to write it. I am, captain, your obedient servant, J. MoENERY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Oomdg. Fourth Louisiana Battalion. Capt. MALLORY P. KING, Assistant Adju?ant. General. Embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90 Page 102 102 COASTS OF S. C., GA., ANtI MID. AND EAST FLA. [OHM. XXfl. Ko. 31. Report of Col. C. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry IIDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT S. C. Vo~s., James Island, 5. 0., June 18, 1862. COLONEL: In obedience to orders I beg to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Secessionville on the morning of the 16th instant: Seven companies of the Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Vol. unteers, with six companies of First Regiment South Carolina Volun- teers and one from the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, constituted the picket force placed under my command, and with which I went on duty on Sunday, 15th instant. This force covered our whole picket line except that in front of Secessionville, which was guarded by pickets from the force stationed at that post. All remained quiet along the line during the day and night, and at daylight I rode to Newtown Cut with a view to visit and inspect the pickets. On reaching that point I distinctly heard the guns of the enemy in front of Secessionville, and started on my return to that point. On my way I encountered a cou- rier with the intelligence that the enemy had advanced in large force to storm our works at Secessionville. This information I immediately forwarded to yourself and to the headquarters of the brigadier-general commanding, proceeding myself to the front to verify the statement. In passing I took portions of fonr companies of my regiment, which hap- pened to be on duty in that vicinity, and moved them in the direction of the abatis of felled timber extending on the left of the Battery Island road. I ordered Captain Wever (Company I) to occupy this abatis to prevent the enemy from penetrating it with his skirmishers. The de- tachinent of my other three companies, viz, Company ID, Captain Good- ing; Company G, Lieutenant ilamiter, and Company K, Captain Tomp- kins, numbering less than 100 men, were posted in a heavy thicket extending from the abatis to the marsh on the left. On taking this position I found the enemy drawn up in line of battle at Hills houses, to my right and front. With my weak force this position could only be defensive, and I rode back to ask for artillery and support, which were brought up by you. As all of the subsequent events passed under your own observation it is unnecessary to report them, except that I would especially mention Captain Tompkins, Co. K, Lieutenant Beckham of Co. G and the de- tachments from these two companies, who held their position gallantly in the front and did excellent service until ordered to withdraw. Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, my second in command, having been sent by you to order fire to be opened from the new 24-pounder bat- tery in advance of onr lines, was retained by General Evans at that post, and directed the fire of the battery with his usual gallantry and efficiency. Major Hammond remained at his post in charge of the picket on the Gill road and Newtown Cut. After the enemy had left the field I returned to my picket duties until regularly relieved. I append a list of the casualties in my own regiment.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully. C. H. STEVENS, Colonel Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteer Regiment. Col. JOHNSON HAGoon, - First South Carolina Vol. Regt., Oomdg. Advanced Forces. U Nominal list omitted. Losses embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90 Page 103 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT SECESSIONVILLE, S. C. 103 No. 32. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles H. Simonton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry. UDQES. EUTAW REGIMENT, TWENTY-FIFTH 5. C. VOLS., June 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the results of the engagement of yesterday to my regiment: Having been ordered to move at reveille, I formed and marched my regiment to the field in rear of Hills house, and having then reported to Colonel Hagood, was placed by him in position behind a hedge. Upon being placed in position I was informed that Colonel Stevens had a portion of his regiment deployed as skirmishers in our front, and was ordered to take all precautions to prevent our men firing into them. Shortly after we took positioti we were put under a heavy fire of small- arms, directed principally against my left wing. In obedience to orders I kept my men nuder restraint and prevented any firing until feeling satisfied that the enemy were actually in my front. I then gave orders to fire. After a brisk fire of about a half hour they were driven off. During their retreat we were exposed to an enfilading fire from a field battery on our flank. Below I append a list of casualties.* The behavior of my regiment was such as I could have wished. Lieu- tenant Blum, of the Washington Light Infantry, Company B, whose company was chiefly under fire, distinguished himself by his extreme coolness, encouraging his men. He rendered most efficient aid in re- straining their natural desire to return the fire of the enemy. The con- duct of his men could not be surpassed. They were nuder my eye all the time, Two of his men, Privates J. Campbell Martin and T. Grange Sirnons, jr., the first woniiided in the head and leg, and the other in three places, with his clothing riddled, continued to fire nutil taken from the field. A large number of arms and accouterments were recovered from the field and several prisoners were captured. With this I inclose the reports of Lieutenant Blum and of Captain Adger, quartermaster. The arms and accouterments are in the hands of the latter, subject to your order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES H. SIMONTON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Cornma~~ding. Capt. JOSEPH WALKER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 33. Report of Lieut. R. A. Blum, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry. CAMP PETTIGREW, JA1~ws ISLAND, S. C., June 16, 1862. I beg leave to report the following casualties and incidents of this mornings engagement: * Nominal list omitted. Losses embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90 Page 104 104 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CRAP. XXVL Shortly after our regiment had taken its position my company was subjected to repeated volleys discharged from the thicket immediately in our front, which we had been informed was held by a company from Colonel Stevens regiment. On this account, in obedience to orders from Colbnel Hagood, we did not reply for several minutes. It is impossilMe for me to single out individual instances when all behaved with the ntmost coolness and bravery, but I feel that it is but just to report the conduct of John Campbell Martin and T. Grange Simons, jr., as worthy of special notice. After being severely wounded they persisted in reloading and firing until overcome by exhaustion.* I am, yours, respectfully, ZR. A. BLUM, Lieutenant, Comdg. W. 19. I., Comrany B, Eutaw Regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel SIMONTON. No. 34. Report of Capt. J. B. Adger, Twenty-fifth South Carolina infantry. CA1~Ir PETTIGREW, JAMES ISLAND, S. C., June 16, 1862. COLONEL: I beg leave to make the following return of arms and accouterments, & c., recovered from the field during and subsequent to this mornings engagement with the enemy: Enfield rifles (in order) 54 Enfield rifles (needing repair) 3 Enfield rifles (not repairable) 3 Minie rifles (in order) 8 Total number of arms. 68 Cartridge boxes 44 Cartridge boxes and belts 26 Total . .. 70 Waist belts .. Waist belts (clasps wanting) 9 Total 37 Bayonet scabbards 38 Cap boxes 24 Cartridges (Enfleld) 950 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. ADG-EIR, Quartermaster and Acting Ordnance Officer, Eutaw Regt. Lieutenant-Colonel SIMONTON, Comdg. Eutaw Regiment (Twenty-fifth S. C. Volunteers). * Nominal list omitted. Losses embodied in Report No. 24, p. 90 Page 105 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMBNT AT SIMMONS BLUFF, S. C. 105 JUNE 21, 1862.Engagement at Simmons Bluff, S. C. Report of Capt. Edward 13. Parker, C. S. Army, Marion (S. C.) Artillery.* HDQRS. SECOND MILITARY P1ST. SOUTH CAROLINA, Adams Run, June 23, 1862. Maj. J. B. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Charleston, S. C.: MAJOR: Herewith I have the honor to inclose the official report of Captain Parker, Marion Artillery, of the affair with the gunboats at Simmons Bluff on the 21st instant. Owing to the absence of the regi- ment of Colonel MeCullongli the rifle pits were not complete when the attack commenced. I am having them arranged and have strengthened the position with two additional companies. I would here state that I will forward the report of the engagement on James island on the 16th instant as soon as I can collect the reports of the immediate com- manders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. EVANS, Brigadier- General. (Thclosure.] SIMMONS BLUFF, S. C., June 21, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at about 11 a. in. this day the alarm was given of two gunboats approaching. I was at Colonel Whalings place, on a visit to pickets there stationed, and caused the alarm to be given also from that point. My guns were in the road and wagons parked before I could get to camp, nothing having been lost. The boats approached rapidlyone large three-masted propeller and a side-wheel, probably the Planter. I ordered the companies of Captains McJunkin and Barnett into the incomplete pits in.process of construction for riflemen, directing them if driven from the pits to fall back and skirmish (if they landed) along, the road and in the corn back of Simmons negro settlement. The bat- tery I ordered to the bluff, where 1 am erecting batteries for my guns about 800 yards above the point. The road through the corn was so miry from the recent rains that my guns could not use them, and I had to take a circuit and approach it from the north. When we cleared the road we found the large vessels just below the point, the Planter on the south side of said point. To reach the bluff I would have had my battery exposed td fire from both ships for 400 or 500 yards, and then would only be able to reach the large vessel at the range before named, say 800 yards. I deemed it wiser, as I could inflict no injury, to run no risk. The fire of shot, shell, case-shot, and canister was very heavy from both ships. I kept my men and guns under cover, anticipating a land- ing. The riflemen kept up a continuous and steady fire until their posi- tion was enfiladed, when they retreated to the road, straggling far ahead of their officers up it. I halted them and deployed them to the left of road, directing a gradual advance, under cover of woods, hedges, and corn, to the negro settlement. The men were very much fatigued and 11 could not get the movement properly executed. A few men were * The , . . y, appears in the Annual Report of the report of Lieut. A. C. Rhind U S Nay Secretary of the Navy, December 1, 1862 Page 106 1OE~ COASTS OI~ S. C., dA., ~ MID. AND EAS1~ FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. landed from the Planter, I think, who got as far as the infantry tents and burned them. My pieces I had withdrawn to the causeway, as both boats, shelling vigorously, moved up as though to land above our position. One of the scouts reported to Major ONeill that the enemy had landed and were marching up. My guns were then thrown forward, and I detailed scouts from my own men, who proceeded to a point be- tween the two camps, under charge of Lieutenant Lowndes. Two of my pieces were to take position near the bluff on left of road, two in our drill ground on the right; Colonel McCullough, who had arrived, to advance under cover of the hedges to the point where my scouts were with four companies; Major ONeill, with the other companies, to ad- vance through the cornand thus I hoped, had they landed, to attack them in front and flank. They, however, had not landed any force, and I can only conjecture that they landed at all. flad the original inten- tion been carried out, and the riflemen on leaving the pits occupied the road and the corn, I think we might have been able to bring our guns into play; as it was, 1. thought my best plan was to keep prepared for what I expecteda landing. Before we could reach the boats, how- ever, immediately after burning the tents they turned and went rapidly off. The buildings at the point were much injured by shell, grape, can- ister, & c., and some very narrow escapes were run. The conduct of the men while in the pits was very good, and they all say that cries were heard after several shots. The men kept very close on deck. Had rifle pits been dug all along the banks I believe that the enemy would have suffered very much; as it was, it was very difficult to rally the men after leaving the pits. Very little time was given for a proper disposition of the troops. I do not think that over twenty minutes elapsed between the alarm and the first shot. Some system of signals is necessary by which we may be notified of the en- trance of a vessel into the river while out of our sight. The lookout on the mast of the steamer enables her to direct her fire at objects not seen from her hull. Captains McJunkins and Barnetts companies have both some baggage. I have no casualties to report. One shot passed through my com- missary room, but our stores were out of it. Lient. [James] Salvo, of the Washington Artillery, came over, offering Capt. [George II.] Walters battery, and was of much service to me. I declined sending for the battery, as under the circumstances I did not think it could be advan- tageously used. Respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD L. PARKER, Gaptain Marion Artillery, Commanding Post. Capt. A. L. EVANS, C. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General, & e., Adams Run Page 107 CHA~. Xk~I.) EVACUATION OF JAMES ISLAND, S. 0. 107 JUNE 28JULY 7, 1862.Evacuation of James Island, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army. No. 1. Report of ]Ifaj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, 5. 0., July 10, 1862. SIR: I have tlie honor to report that the delicate operation of with- drawing our forces from James Island, the reasons for which step were given in my letter dated the 27th nltimo,* has been successfully accom- plished, without injury to a single man or the abandonment of one pound of public property. The main portion of our forces are now aggregated at this point, North Edisto, and Beaufort, all possible precautions being taken to secure their health and comfort, and with results fully meeting my most sanguine expectations. No epidemic fevers have yet appeared in any portion of the command, though the great number of men pros- trated on James Island by bilious and low typhoid fevers and the in- creasing sick list, a(tributed to malarial debility, gave warning of what we might have expected had the occupation of our position there been continued. I have concluded to retain for the present at Beaufort the 2,000 troops nnder Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan, originally brought up from Key West and the Tortugas to take part in the attack on Charleston. Garrisons of abundant strength were left behind under my direction by Brigadier- General Brannan, and as the health of the troops retained at Beaufort stood undoubtedly in need of renovation, and as there are better oppor- tunities for regimental and more especially brigade drill at that point, the advantages of this course are obvious. Should there be any serious threatening of foreign intervention, however, these troops will be im- mediately returned to their respective stations; but in the absence of any pressing cause for their return to Key West and the Tortugas the climate of Beanfort, salubrious par excellence, recommends it during the sickly months now approaching. It is, more over, a central point, from which, if necessary, the troops can be transported in any direction with the facilities of water transit. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, P. HUNTER, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Horatio U. Wright, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James island, S. C., June 29, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter * See p 43 Page 108 108 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP.XXVI. of the major-general commanding, dated the 27th instant,* instructing me to abandon James Island with the forces under my command, and in obedience thereto have already sent off such of the sick as could not march with their regiments, and have been to-day shipping stores and the horses of the cavalry, which will be the first of the command to leave. I hope to be able to accomplish the whole movement success- fully, removing everything without loss. The movement to Legareville, with the balance of the command left after the first detachment is sent away, will occasion much labor and I fear loss of time, as the difficulties of approach to that place by steamers are serious. It might be well to leave it to my judgment whether to make the transfer or not. On this point I would ask early instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., fldqrs. Dept., Hilton Head, ~ C. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James Island, ~. C., July 4, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that two regiments of the Sec- ond Brigade of General Stevens divisionthe One hundredth Pennsyl- vania Regiment and the Seventy-ninth New York Regimentunder their brigade commander, Colonel Leasure, will leave this morning for Hilton Head, and that the third regiment of that brigade will be sent by the Cosmopolitan, now expected momentarily, as soon as she arrives. Rockwells battery also goes to-day. I am very much embarrassed in the embarkation of the troops for the want of a sufficiency of transpor- tation, and would most urgently request that everything that can be spared in the way of steamers which can enter the Stono be sent here at once. The Staten Islander and the Mayflower would help me out very much. So far the weather has been such as to preclude the use of the Vanderbilt, as it has been impossible to transfer troops to her outside, and the propellers Potomac and Locust Point have been of no service. They will be sent down as soon as orders can be got to them, and as their draught is not too great for the waters about Hilton Head, it is suggested they might for two or three days take the place of the steamers asked for above. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER, Comdg. Department of the ~S1outh, Hilton Head, S. C. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James Island, S. C., July 5, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the steamer Cosmopolitan leaves for Hilton Head at 10 a. m. to-day with four pieces of artillery, the Forty-sixth New York Regiment, belonging to Second Brigade, of *See Inclosure No. 5 to Hunters report of June 27, p. 47 Page 109 CHAr. XXVI.] EVACUATION OF JAMES ISLAND, S. C. 109 Stevens division, ColonRi Leasure commanding, and the Eighth Michi- gan, of the First Brigade, Colonel Fenton commanding. There now remain here two regiments of Fentons brigade (the Seventh Connect- icut and Twenty-eighth Massachusetts) and the two regiments desig- nated for Edisto (Sixth Connecticut and Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania), and four pieces of artillery, with quartermasters horses, wagons, am- bulances, and some stores. If the two steamers foI~ which I wrote~ urgently yesterday are sent and the schooners capable of carrying horses and wagons are returned we shall be able to get off everything by the neXt move, and I think succi~ssfully. So far everything has been quiet along the lines, though the enemy has reoccupied as we have withdrawn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. ID. HUNTER, cYomdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, James Island, S. C., July 6, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that the Ben De Ford leaves this morning with quartermasters stores, horses, and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment, which regiment belongs to the brigade of Colonel Fenton. Our present position is a strong one, an(1 I do not anticipate any trou- ble from the enemy; yet I am of course anxious to get off the remainder of the command with the least possible delay. I would therefore most urgently request that the Ben De Ford be discharged to-night and sent back to-morrow morning, and that the Cosmopolitan and Delaware, if not already started, be sent here at the same time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. H. G. WRIGHT, Brigadier- Genei-ai, Cornma~~ding. Maj. CHARLES G. HALPINE, A. A. U., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Edisto Island, S. C., July 9, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here about S p. m. on the evening of the 7th instant xvith the Sixth and Seventh Connecti- cut and Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiments, and that all the troops were landed by 6 a. m. the next morning. For the present I have established the camps in the vicinity of the landing near the place marked on the Coast Survey map as the Pt. of Pines House, deeming this as the most eligible position on account of the facilities for receiving sul)plies, as well as for the health of the command. A position at Eddingsville or on Botany Bay Island, imme- diately upon the sea shore, would no (lonbt be more healthy and com- fortable; but as military positions they are less desirable. Edisto Island, as you are probably aware, bears the reputation of being very unhealthy in summer, and it was the custom of the resident planters t Page 110 110 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL abandon it as early as June and go to Eddirugsville, which is a small collection of summer houses upon a sand ridge immediately upon the sea; yet so far there is nothing to indicate that it is not as healthy as any of the other islands along the coast. The actual sickly season has not, however, I presume, fairly been entered npon. If the island is to be permanently occupied it would be a matter of ~proper precaution to erect certain defenses and arm them with heavy guns, with which we could act effectively upon any field batteries the enemy might easily land for the purpose of attack. At present we have to rely upon the tlrtiliery of. the gunboats for this. The fast land upon the opposite side of the Edisto River is about 2 miles distant, and a battery of heavy guns would seriously annoy us. I should like a few heavy guns to reply to such an attempt; but upon this point I will write again in a day or two. Very respectfully, your obedient ~rvant, II. 0-. WRIGHT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. CHARLES 0-. HALPINE, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the ,S1outh, Hilton Head, S. C. JUNE 30JULY 1, 1862.Bombardment of Tampa, Fla. REPOIRTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Middle and East Florida. No. 2.Capt. J. W. Pearson, C. S. Army, Osceola Rangers. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of Middle and East Florida. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA, Tallahassee, Ela., July 8, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy coinmeuced shelling the town of Tampa with one vessel on the 30th ultimo. There are two companies (Pearsons and Chambers) stationed at Tampa, and my advices are that our batteries are replying deliberately and regu- larly to the fire of the enemy. I apprehend no attempt ~n the part of the Federals to capture Tampa. The force engaged (one vessel) for. bids such an idea. I presume they intend to annoy us for killing and capturing their men on our coast. I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOS. FIXEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Genere~l Page 111 CHAP. XXVI.] BOMBARDMENT OF TAMPA, FLA. :111 No. 2. Report of Uapt. J. W. Pearson, C ~9. Army, Osceola Rangers. TAMPA BAY, FLA., July 2, 1862. DEAR SIR: I now have the honor to report to you a spirited little battle between my command and a Federal gunboat, commanded by Captain Drake, in which God has given us a victory: On Monday morning, June 30, the gunboat hove in sight in the bay, and after sounding and maneuvering to get a favorable position came to anchor, turned her broadside to us and opened her ports, and then started a launch, with a lieutenant and 20 men, bearing a flag of truce, toward our shore. I immediately manned one of my boats with 18 men and met them in the bay, determined that they should not land on my shore, and on meeting the boat the lieutenant in command re- ported he had been sent by Captain Drake to demand an unconditional surrender of the town. My reply to him was that we did not under- stand the meaning of the word surrender; there was no such letter in our book; we dont surrender. lie then said they would commence shelling the town at 6 oclock, and I told him to pitch in. We then gave three hearty cheers for the Southern Confederacy and the Federal boat crew said nothing. Each party then returned to their respective places to prepare for action. I had a part of my ammunition, & c., moved 1 mile in the rear and placed a guard over them. In the mean time the women and children moved ont a mile or so, and at 6 oclock they promptly opened fire on us with heavy shell and shot, and after two shots from them we opened from our batteries, consisting of three 24-pounder~ cannom Both parties then kept up a regular fire until 7 p in., about one hour, when they lowered their flag and ceased to fire. We fired three guns after they stopped. We fired twenty-two shots and they fired twenty. They struck our batteries several times. They threw rifle shot and 11-inch shell. This we know, as we now have one of these shells in our yard that did not explode. They lay out of the range of our guns (the vessel) by from 2j to 2~ miles from our batteries, but we put our guns up to the utmost capacity. It is said by outsiders who were close lookers-on that we struck their vessel. I am proud to say that my men behaved handsomely on the occasion, though some of them had never before fired a cannon. I had them drilled in ten minutes so they were as old veterans, and I would here mention the name of Captain Gettis in the highest terms. He took command of one of the batteries manned by a green squad of my men who had never fired a cannon before, his own company having left a few days previous for Tennessee. Captain Gettis acted with that cool firmness which characterizes the man in all his various spheres at the bar and legislative councils; and I would also remark here that the citizens behaved handsomely, showing loyalty to the backbone. As I before remarked, the firing ceased at 7p. in., each party remain- ing on the field ready to renew the conflict at daylight. The next morning at daylight I repaired to my batteries, but the vessel seemed to be repairing damages or fixing something and did not get ready for action until about 10 a. m, at which time she opened fire on us with heavy shell and shot and kept it up until 12 oclocktwo hours. We kept our ground, but did not fire in consequence of their being out of the range of our guns and ammunition too scarce to be wasted foolishly. At 12 oeloci~ they stopped firing, for dinner I supposed, and w Page 112 112 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI rested upon our ground until 2 oclock, when I sent np our flag, and it seemed to float so proudly and beautifully, showing its broad side to them, it made them furious. They then fired at us two pow~rful shots in ra.pid succession, then weighed anchor, and in a few minutes showed us her stern, and left us in peaceful possession of the town that they had the evening before demanded unconditional surrender of in such furioso-gusto manner. Nobody hurt on our side; we cannot tell what damage was done to them. My son, the bearer of this, will answer you all questions you desire to ask, as he was at one of the batteries. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. PEARSON, Gaptain Osceola Rangers and Commander of Post. General JOSEPH FINEGAN, Tallahassee, Fla. JULY 4, 1862.Affair at Port Royal Ferry, S. C. Report of Cot. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, ]IlicPhersonville, S. C., July 5, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday, July 4,1 drove in the enemys pickets at Port Royal Ferry with a section of the Beau- fort Artillery, Capt. Stephen Elliott conimanding, supported by 15 men of Company 1, Eleventh Regiment South Carolina Voluifteers. One piece was taken to the bulkhead, and nuder cover of its fire a boat, manned with 12 men of the artillery, under command of Sergeant Baruwell, landed at the ferry-house with a barrel of turpentine. Inside the house was found a barricade, from which they had annoyed my pickets with long-range rifles. The whole was burned to the ground. A very large coil of rope, which it is supposed they had used in cross- ing the ferry the night previous to the attack on the railroad, was brought away. At the conclusion of our operations, which lasted about thirty minutes, the enemy brought up a 12-pounder and made some rather wild firing, by which nobody was hurt. All the movements were marked with coolness and precision. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Colonel; Commanding. Maj. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General. JULY 9, 1862.Expedition to Fenwicks Island, S. C. Report of lJIaj. R. J. Jeffords, C. S. Army, Sixth South Carolina Bat. talion Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, ]LlicPhersonville, S. C., July 16, 1862. ~V[aj. J. R. WADDY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of South Carolina and Georgia: MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose the report of operations by Maj Page 113 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION TO PENWICKS ISLAND, S. C. 113 IR. J. Jeffords, Commanding Sixth Battalion Cavalry, upon the night of the 9th July, made nuder my order, to effect a diversion in favor of General Evans, who expected to attack the enemy at daylight of the same date. Though nothing was effected, owing to the failure of the attack by General Evans,- I think it proper to call your attention to the characteristic activity and enterprise shown by Major Jeffords on the occasion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Colonel, Commanding. [Tuclosure.] IIDQRS. SIXTH BATTALION CAVALRY, S. C. VOLS., Chisolmville, S. C., July 9, 1862. COLONEL: I beg to report that I left Chapmans Fort on evening of the 7th with 130 commissioned and non-commissioned officers and pri- vates, and proceeded to Fenwicks Island, landing on rear in Mosquito Creek. I sent out a small reconnaissance to Major Murrays planta- tion, they soon after returning, seeing no signs of the enemy. I pro- ceeded down the island to Seabrooks place, on Pon Pon River. I took from this point a general survey of Otter Island, Saint Helena Sound, Pon Pon River, and the neighborhood around. On Otter Island I saw two of the enemys flags flying, one very large; in mouth of Ashepoo one sloop of war, and just at entrance of river one gunboat (steam). There were no vessels on South Edisto or Pon Pon River. The boats in Ashepoo could not reach Pon Pon without passing through Mosquito or going 25 miles around, so I delayed, awaiting attack of Gen- eral Evans, until after sunrise. Hearing no guns (which was a necessity, should he have fired, as only the Pon Pon River divided me) I returned to boats, 3 miles off, first showing myself in force plainly to the sloop of war in Ashepoo. She promptly had the long roll beaten, but as tide was against her I apprehended no danger. I proceeded to Hutch- insons Island, found no enemy, they only visiting there from time to time. I was informed by an old negro the enemy had removed most of the young negroes to Hilton Head, stating they were unable to protect them from our attacks where they were. At flood tide the enemy ad- vanced up Ashepoo, shelling ilutchinsons Island, and coming up to within 2 miles of Chapmans Fort. I immediately manned boats and had them removed 25 miles up Ashepoo to ileywards plantation. I am sorry the diversion has not met with some success. It was one of great .danger, as I could have been easily and completely cut oIL The fatigue was very severe, rowing heavily-laden boats near 100 miles mostly against a swift current. The men behaved splendidly, and I only wish 1 had a better field for operation. The gun with detachment arrived in good time; it was fired once from boat with great ease. Your obedient servant, R. J. JEFFORDS, Major, Commanding. Col. W. S. WALKER. P. S.I destroyed four boats, one fine one, on ilutchinsons Island. 8 R RVOL XI Page 114 114 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI JULY 910, 1862.Demonstration against Pocotaligo, S. C. Reports of Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of South Carolina and Georgia. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, 5. C., July 10, 1862. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: I have just received the following dispatch from Colonel Walker, commanding at Pocotaligo, S. C.: Four flat-boat loads of troops landed at Port Royal Ferry; two gunboats shelling; troops continue landing. Enemy advancing with heavy forceartillery and infantry. W. S. WALKER, Colonel, Commanding. I have sent troops to meet them. J. C. PEMBERTOY, Major- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, CHARLESTON, S. C., July 10, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General: The following telegram just received from General Evans: ADAMS Run, S. C., July 10, 1862. I have reconnoitered the enemy on Edisto. He is in large force and still landing troops and provisions. Yesterday he attacked my pickets on Dawho and Wadnialaw. I have sent one regiment to the assistance of Colonel Walker at Pocotaligo. N. G. EVANS. I do not believe the enemy have many troops on the coast. Colonel Walker reports they have recrossed at Port Royal Ferry. Pickets generally exaggerate J. C. PEMBEBTON, Major-General, Commanding. AUGUST 13,1862.Engagement on Black River, S.C. Report of ]Jfaj. W. P. Emanuel, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. CAMP MARION Near Georgetown, S. C., August 15, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you an engagement with the Federals, which is as follows: On Wednesday, the 13th instant, about noon, the enemys gunboats and a small tug made their appearance in Winyaw Bayq in front of Georgetown, and anchored. They remained there until about 3 a. m. of the 14th, when they moved off very cautiously up Black River to Mrs. Sparkmans plantation, some 20 miles above Georgetown. I immediately took all the forces on the south side of the river and arrived there as soon as possible. Before getting there, however, I heard heavy firing in the direction of the section of artillery belonging to Captain Wards battery~ but not being able to get any communic Page 115 CHAP. XXVI.J AFFAIR ON PINCKNEY ISLAND, S. C. 115 tion with them, cannot as yet give you any of the particulars, but sup- posed they had an engagement, but owing to a deserter being with them I fear they took the battery in the rear. I, with my forces on this side, arrived just in time to see them land at Mrs. Sparkmans. We then deployed our men on both sides, above and below, and drove them back to their boats, and when they tried to get off they found the boat aground, and it took the tug about two hours to get it off, we giving them a pretty brisk fire from the bank all the while. She ran up the river a few hundred yards and turned to come back and gave us a few shell and a heavy fire with their small-arms, which we re- turned as she passed by. I then threw the forces at every favorable place on the river below and fired on them as they passed. We were engaged about five hours. I dont think the enemy~s loss could have been less then 50 killed and wounded. Our casualties are 2 wounded, both slightly. I will report from the other side as early as possible. I take great pleasure in saying that the troops with me on this side acted with great promptness and bravery. Yours, very respectfully, W. P. EMANUEL, General S. iR. GIST. Major, Commanding. AUGUST 21, 1862.Affair on Pinckney Island, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Lient. Col. John H. Jackson, Third New Hampshire Infantry. No. 2.Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina and Georgia. No. 3.Col. W. S. Walkcr, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District. No. 4.Capt. Stephen Elliott, Jr., Beaufort (S. C.) Artillery. No. 1. R~ports of Licut. Col. John H. Jackson, Third New Hampshire Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, - Grahams Plantation, August 21, 18627.30 a. m. SIR: I have just received reports from Pinckney Island that the com- pany posted on the eastern en(l of the island was surprised this morn- ing by apparently three companies of the rebels. The lieutenant in command was taken prisoner and about 40 men; 1 sergeant and 5 pri- vates escaped and are reported on their way to these headquarters. They report the rebels at 6 oclock this morning on the island in some force, and wearing a blu~e uniform similar to our own. I have notified all my officers to have their commands in readiness to move on to Pinck- ney Island. As you have been notified from Seabrook I wait further orders, thinking you may think proper to send a gunboat to cut off ~he retreat of the rebels. Yours, wiPh respect, JOHN H. JACKSON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. U. W~ CAI~RUTHERS, Post Adjutant Page 116 116 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. HDQRS. THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, Grahams Plantation, Hilton Head, S. 0., Aug. 21, 186210.45. SIR: Yours in rel)1y to my communication of this morning is received. After sending my report I learned from some of those who escaped from the island that Lieutenant Wiggin was left on the island either killed or wounded badly, and that a number of our men were left there either killed or wounded. Major Plimpton, with a detachment from each of the four companies on the river, immediately landed on Piuckney Island to investigate the whole affair as far as possible and to recover those of our mxeit who were killer I or wounded. Lieutenant Wiggin and 1 private, killed in resisting the attack, have been sent to Seabrooks Wharf~ with some wounded men, who need the attendance of a surgeon. I gave Captain Emmons orders to send to Hilton Head for a surgeon, which I suppose he has done ere this. I have a report at this moment from the captain commanding the picket on the western end of the island, who has visited his posts, and they report all quiet during the night; heard no guns, cries, or anything of the kind, and also report that the enemys pickets present no unusual appearance. They have fired however on our pickets a number of times this morning. I shall be able to send 40 men to-night to occupy Company Hs former position. On Pinckney Island there are a large number of contrabands and several well-cultivated plantations. The contrabands need pro- tection and the plantations are valuable for their produce. I have been all over the island lately, and came to the conclusion that it needs five or six companies on the island to prevent these raids on our pickets. Please inform me if I shall continue to post pickets on that end of the island. Respectfully, yours, JOHN H. JACKSON, Commanding Third New Hampshire Volunteers. HDQRS. THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, flilton Head, S. 0., September 1, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to l)resent the following report respect- ing an attack on the picket of this regiment stationed on Piuckney Island. The attack took place just before daylight on the morning of Thursday, August 21. The enemy landed on the island from six boats, five of them landing above the pickets, and approached the camp from the side where no guard was stationed and fired a volley before they were discovered. The other boat came around the point to where one of our pickets was stationed very near the camp. The sentinel chal- lenged twice and the lieutenant stepped from his tent and approached~ him. He had gone but a short distance when a volley was fired from the enemy, they being then in the camp. Lieutenant Wiggin was found dead a short distance from his tent, with eight or nine wounds on his body. The rebels remained but a short time on the island, and took but little of the company property and did not destroy the tents. The enemy have presented no unusual appearance since the attack. Our loss was: Killed, 1 lieutenant, 3 privates; total, 4. Wounded, 2 privates; total 2. Missing, 3 sergeants, 4 corporals, 29 privates; total, 36. One of the w.ounded men has since died, and the other was severely wounded and may not recover. A number of the rebels were either killed or wounded, according to the report of one of the corporals who was taken prisoner, but th Page 117 CHAr. XXVI.] AFFAIR ON PINCKNEY ISLAND, S. C. 117 squad having him in charge was fired upon, probably by their own men in the darkness, and the fire was returned. In the confusion the cor- poral escaped, the guard at his side being shot dead. On the 6th of August 3 men of Company H deserted from Piuckney Island, and a new disposition of the pickets was immediately made and the utmost vigilance urged upon the lieutenant (Wiggin) com- manding that post. At different times two detachments of fresh men were sent to Piuckney Island to prevent the old pickets from relaxing their vigilance from great fatigue. At the time when the last detach- ment was sent I accompanied it, and examined all the picket posts, and pointed out particularly the necessity of great vigilance at the very point where the enemy landed on the 21st ultimo, and called the par- ticular attentiou of the lieutenant to the importance of the post. Since the surprise of the company (H) I have learned that the lieu- tenant (most unaccountably to me) removed entirely the guard at that post and the patrol from that point along the road to their camp. Lieu- tenant Wiggin proved himself a brave man at the battle on James Island, June 16, and nothing previous to this unfortunate affair has ever happened to shake my confidence in his ability as an officer. It was a great lack of vigilance and judgment on his part, and his too strong sense of security cost him the loss of his life and the regi- ment the loss of nearly an entire company. Every precaution was taken on my part to prevent any surprise of that post. With great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN II. JACKSON, Colonel, Commanding Third New Hampshire Volunteers. Major-General HUNTER, Comdg. Department of the South. No. 2. Report of Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding De partment of South Carolina and Georgia. HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, S. C., August 27, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the reports of Col. W. S. Walker and Capt. S. Elliott, Beaufort Light Artillery, of an expedition against the enemy stationed on Piuckney Island. In forwarding these reports I would respectfully call your attention -to the gallantry and good conduct of Captains S. Elliott and Mickler, who conducted the expedition with complete success to our arms. Yery respectfully, ~. C. IPEMBEBTON, Major. General, Commanding. No. 3. Report of Col. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Military District. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, McPhersonville, S. C., August 22, 1862. MAJOR; I hwve the honor to report that, from the recounaiss& rnce o Page 118 118 COASTS oP~. c., ca., Mm MID. AND ii~A~S~r FLA. [Cini~. ZX~Vt Lieutenant-Colonel Colcock, of the Second Battalion Cavalry, and Capt. J. II. Mickler, Eleventh Infantry, and the information obtained from 3 deserters, I was persuaded that a force of the enemy stationed in the northeastern point of Pinckney Island, and believed not to exceed 100 men, could be surprised and captured. For this purpose I ordered Capt. Stephen Elliott, of the Beaufort Artillery, with Capt. J. II. Mick- ler, Eleventh Infantry, to organize a boat expedition. I refer you to the inclosed report of Captain Elliott for a clear and unreserved state. ment of his operations. For a due understanding of the hazardous nature of the undertaking it i& necessary to state that a gunboat cruises in that immediate neigh. borhood, and that her masts were seen through the trees from the enemys encampment. There was not only the danger attending an attack upon an enemy nearly equal in force but the still greater risk of being intercepted by the powerful batteries of a war steamer. The conception of the expedition reqnired daring and great rapidity of ex- ecution. A I)rolonged contest, even if successful, would have been fatal in its results. I knew that the high qualities of the leaders and their men would secnre the prompt execution, and the result has amply justified my confidence. While great credit is due to every officer and man engaged, I must specially mention the conspicuous services of Captains Elliott and Mickler. My position in front of an enemy oc- cupying islands and commanding their approach with powerftul war steamers, as well as the character of my force, consisting mainly of cavalry armed with shot-guns, has disabled me from undertaking any large operations against the enemy. I believe, however, I have suc- ceeded in impressing him with aii exaggerated estimate of my force by means of repeated attacks upon his pickets at various points, which would seem to indicate the confidence and audacity of a strong and threatening. force. I have been indebted to Capt. Stephen Elliott, who is a sailor as well as a soldier, for the organization and largely for the execution of these affairs. With great zeal and enterprise he has contributed a sagacity and prudence which have invariably secured success. His officers and men have proved worthy of their commander. They have borne ex- posure, fatigue, and hunger with unshrinking courage and alacrity. Captain Mickler has but recently been under my command, but in that short time his boldness as a scout and his gallantry as a leader have sustained his well-earned reputation. I would commend all the officers and men engaged in the expedition to the most favorable.notice of the general commanding. I inclose a copy of the only order of special interest among those cap- tured. I will send the prisoners to Charleston as soon as I have ex- amined them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, 6olonel, Commanding. Maj. J. R. WAnny, A. A. C., Dept. of South Carolina and Georgia. I{o. 4. Report of Capt. Stephen Elliott, jr., Beaufort (S. C.) Artillery. MCPHERSONYILLE, S. C., August 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of an expedi- Page 119 CHAP. XXYVt] AFPAIR ON PINCKNEY ISLAND, S. 0. 119 tion to Piuckney Island, organized in pursuance to orders from district headquarters: On the 18th, in company with Captain Mickler, I made a careful re- connaissance of the island and formed my plan of attack. I extended orders to Captain Mickler to transpott four boats from Hortons to Bear Island and to join me on the evening of the 21st with 100 men. I also directed that 50 men of the Beaufort Artillery, with muskets and a 4-pounder boat gun, should meet me at Boyds Landing on the 19th, in order to take six boats to Foot Point and Bear Island by the way of Broad River. The dispositions were successfully accomplished within the required time. On the 21st, at 3 a. in., I left Bear Island with detachments of Cap- tains Micklers, Leadbetters, and Wescoats companies, under the com- mand of theii~ captains, and o4~ the Beaufort Artillery, under Lieuten- ant Stuart, amounting in all to 120 men, 36 of whom acted as oarsmen, and remained in the boats, nine in number. Passing down a creek 10 miles in length, I landed at early dawn on Pinckney Island, 300 yards in rear of the dwelling-house, whichis sit- uated at the apex of an angle whose sides include [incline] about 40g. Deploying rapidly across the base, I moved forward toward the point over ground on one side open and on the other covered by a dense thicket up to the camp of Company H, Third Regiment New Hamp- shire Volunteers, surprising them, killing, according to the most careful estimate, 15 and capturing 36, 4 of whom were wounded. Six were seen to escape and 5 are known to have been absent. These, with the previous numbers named, give 62; the number on their morning report book. The lieutenant in command, the only officer present, either ~escaped or was killed. There is good reason to believe the latter. To avoid delay in so exposed a position I forbade the men to touch an article, and we returned, bringing off the company records and two fine boats, having remained on the island fifteen minutes. Eight of my men were wounded, 6 of them, I regret to say, by their own men. This is the more provoking, as I earnestly and repeatedly warned both officers and men against this very danger. Some pallia- tion may exist in the fact that some of the men were engaged for the first time that the disaster sprung from an excess of zeal and courage, and that there was not light enough to distinguish persons at any dis- tance. The mixture of small detachments too, at all times an element of confusion, is especially so in surprises at night, when the necessity of silence demands the most rigid discipline and uniformity of action. I take pleasure iu saying that the whole command acted with great spirit and determination. It is a just tribute to a gallant officer to say that Captain Mickler, by his ceaseless energy and labor for days and nights previously, as well as by his valuable suggestions, contributed in no small degree to the success of the enterprise, while by his im- petuous courage he rendered complete the surprise of the enemy. Inclosed are lists of our wounded * and of the prisoners. I send also the books and papers captured.t Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR., Captain Beaufort Artillery, Commanding Expedition. Lient. E. II. BARNWELL A. A. G., Third Military District, Department S. C. Nominal list shows 8 men wounded. tNot found Page 120 120 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. ~XVL HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, 5. C., August 27, 1862. Capt. S. ELLIOTT, (Commanding Beaufort Artillery), Captain MICKLER: CAPTAIN I am directed by the major-general commanding to ex- press his sincere thanks to you and the troops under your command for their gallant conduct in the late successful expedition against the enemy on Piuckney Island. The designing and successful carrying out of such expedition, as attested by the rout and complete annihula. tion of the enemy, prove irresistibly the foresight of the designer and the gallantry of his troops. To you therefore and to your command are tendered by the major-general commanding the thanks of the de. partment under his command. R. W. MEMMINGEIR, Assistant Adjutant- General. SEPTEMBER 10, 1862.Skirmish on the Kilkenny River, S. C. Congratulatory letter of J. R. Waddy, C. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of South Carolina and Georgia. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, S. C., September 14, 1862. Capt. J. L. MCALLISTER, H. M. 1~iftes: CAPTAIN: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say to you that he is highly gratified at the gallant conduct of yourself and the officers and men of your company engaged in the skirmish on th.e Kilkenny River with the enemy on September 10, 1862. The major- general commanding wishes you to return his heartfelt thanks to all concerned for their gallantry on the occasion above referred to. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General. SEPTEMBER 11, 1862.Engagement at Saint Johns Bluff, Fla. Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph Pinegan, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of]Jfiddle and East Florida. BALDWIN, F LA., September 12, 1862. I have placed a battery of six guns on Saint Johns Bluff which was not discoveredby the enemy until completed. Soon after it was engaged for four and a half hours by two gunboats. We crippled one of the boats and drove the other off. Loss on our side, 1 man killed and 8 slightly wounded. I have sent down to-day four large guns to strengthen the battery. JOS. FIXEGAX, Brigadier-General, Commanding. General S. COOPER Page 121 OnAr. XXvI.I ENGAGEMENT AT ST. JOHNS I3LTJPF, 1?LA. 121 IIDQRS. PROY. FORCES, DEPT. EAST AND MIDDLE FLA., Tallahassee, Fla., September 15, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Saturday morning, the 6th instant, I moved from this place with a detachment of Cap- tain Gambles light artillery and two 12-pounder rifle guns, nnder com- mand of Lieutenant Villepigue, and two 8-inch howitzers, removed from the battery at Saint Marks. At Lake City I took with me two 32- pounder rifle guns, previously sent there, and proceeded to the Saint Johns River at Jacksonville. There I ordered a detachment of Cap- tain Dunhams companythe Milton Artilleryto accompany me to work the two 32-pounder rifle guns and the two 8-inch howitzers, and placed the whole force under the command of Captain Dunham. The guns and necessary ammunition were crossed over the river at Jack- sonville in flats on Sunday, and the command proceeded down the east bank of the Saint Johns to Saint Johns Bluff, about 5 miles from its mouth, where two of the enemy~s gunboats were lying at anchor. The command was supported by the three companies of Captain Bre- yard, by Captain Westcotts company of Partisan Rangers, by Captain 5tephens~ company of cavalry, and by Captain Richards company of the First Florida Special Battalion, ordered to accompany it to guard against a land attack. I remained with the expedition to give it my personal supervision. On Tuesday night [9th] the six guns were placed in position on Saint Johns Bluff, where the ammunition supplies and the whole force had been concentrated without the observation of the enemy. At 10 oclock Wednesday morning, finding that our movement was still undiscovered by the enemy, I went back to Jacksonville, to have two 8-inch columbiads and two 8-inch howitzers, which I had brought from the Upper Saint Johns in contemplation of this movement, brought down to the bluff, hoping to place them in position before we were dis- covered by the enemy. On Wednesday, about 8 p. in., one of the gunboats approached within three-fourths of a mile of the bluff, as was usual with her, and threw nine shells on the point. Our men did not ieply, but remained quiet. At daylight [11th] our guns opened on her, when she immediately moved out of range; not, however, before she was struck several times. Signals were immediately made by her to the other gunboat and they both moved up and attacked the batteries. The engagement continued for four and a half hours, resulting in the crippling of one of the boats and driving the other off. Little or no damage was done to the bat- teries, and the loss of life on our side was 1 man killed and 8 slightly woun(led. I regret to report that Capt. J. II. McRory, acting engineer officer, who rendered valuable services, was seriously injured by an accidental bayonet wound while sliding down an embankment. Captain Dunham, in command, behaved with great coolness and bravery, as did also Captain Richard, commanding a section of the heavy gnus; Lieutenant Villepigue, commanding a section of Gambles battery; Lieutenant Stevens, of Milton Artillery, commanding section of heavy guns, and Lient. T. E. Buckman, ordnance officer, acting adju- tant of the command, to whom much credit is due. The large guns have been sent down, and I hope the battery is by this time strong enough to resist any attack that may be made. The officers report their several commands to have behaved with ga1~ lantry while under fire Page 122 122 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. If I can hold the Saint Johns Bluff, as I hope to do, it will relieve the valley of the Saint Johns from the marauding incursions of the enemy and afford a base for operations against Saint Augustine. Could I have one regiment of infantry for service in East Florida I think I could take Saint Augustine and hold it. I respectfully ask, if a regiment can be spared, that it be ordered to report to me. My assistant adjutant-general, Captain Call, who accompanied the expedition, rendered efficient service throughout. I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOS. FINEGA1~T~ Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp. Gen. 0. ~ Army, Richmond, Va. [Indor8ement.] If General Beauregard can spare a regiment from Savannah tempo. rarily, request him to order it to report to General Finegan. G. W. B. SEPTEMBER 17, 1862.Engagement at Saint Johns Bluff, Fla. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army. LAKE CITY, FLA., September 19, 1862. On the morning of the 17th five gunboats engaged the battery at Saint Johns Bluff and continued the engagement for five hours, when they retired. Our loss, 2 killed and 3 wounded. The enemy, having failed to pass our batteries, may attempt a land attack. I am prepar- ing for it and will be there to-night. Can you send me one regiment of infantry from the coast of Georgia or Carolina ~l I need them very much. Answer by telegraph. JOS. FIKEGAK, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and In~peetor General. SEPTEMBER 24, 1862.Affair on Skull Creek, S. C. Report of Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth Yew York Infantry. IIDQRS. U. S. FORCES ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort Pulaski, Ga, September 25, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding the department, that yesterday, having received information that a squad of the enemys cavalry, some 10 or 15 in num- ber, were visible on the shore of the main-land opposite the northwes Page 123 CHAP. X~Yt 1 APPAIR O~ SKULL CREEIt, s. c. 123 end of Piuckney Island, with 35 men of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant Miller, and a detachment of Company 0-, Third Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery, in charge of Lieutenant Fry, on board steamer Planter, I proceeded through Cali- bogue Sound to Skull Creek, opposite the point referred to. When the steamer was yet some 4 miles distant the greater portion of the party retired, leaving only a picket of some 3 or 4 men, who fled in the great- est haste at the first discharge from our guns. I continued shelling them until they were out of range, when, by my direction, Lieutenant Miller, with his party, landed, securing saddles, bridles, holsters, pistols, rifles, coats, blankets, ammunition, rations, & c., belonging to the picket and bringing them on board the steamer. The picket at this poimit were formerly very annoying to the troops on outpost duty on Hilton Head, and were once or twice shelled ou~ by direction of General Hun- ter and the buildings burned, since which they have appeared only at intervals. I have reason to believe that if the tug Starlight was placed at my disposal for a few days I could greatly injure, and perhaps de- stroy, two of the enemys steamers which are daily anchored in the Savannah River just inside Four-Mile Point. These boats come down from Savannah every morning at about 7 oclock to convey laborers, who are employed upon the obstructions in the river, come to anchor, and lie without steam until 7 p. m. This I know from personal obser- vation and the statements of deserters, contrabands, & c., who have recently come within our lines. With the Planter and Starlight I could take a position out of range of the enemys batteries and, I think, inflict serious damage upon the boats referred to. May I respectfully request that th-e Starlight be sent to report to me temporarily, and that the permission of the major-general commanding be given me to make the attempt as above? With the same boats and five companies of my own regiment (which would leave five companies in the fort) I could greafly annoy the enemy by proceeding up the Bluff~ ton River to the village of that name, and shelling a considerable rebel force now encamped there and destroying extensive salt-works 2 miles above. Neither of these little expeditions would involve much, if any, risk, and would necessitate the weakening of the garrison at Pulaski for only a few hours, and that in the day-time. I would like very much to undertake them. I send herewith several statements* received~ from deserters, contrabands, & c., recently taken here, as well as the deserters themselves. The report of the latter as to the number of men in and around Savannah I deem entirely unreliable, as on being closely questioned they fail to show more than from 3,000 to 5,000 troops there. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, youi obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Gomdg. Post. Maj. W. P. PRENTICE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Not found Page 124 124 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CuAP. XXVI. SEPTEMBER 30OCTOBER 3, 1862,Reconnaissances on May and Sa vannah Rivers, Ga. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry. No. 1. Report of lWaj. Gem. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, commanding De. partment of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, 5. 0., October 5, 1802. GENERAL: II have the honor to report the result of several minor expeditions which have been ordered out in this department since my last communication: On the morning of the 30th ultimo Col. W. B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, left Fort Pulaski with two transports, the Planter and Starlight, which have been temporarily armed, and with a force of about 500 infantry from his own regiment. The object was to surprise the enemy at Bluffton, on May River, and to destroy extensive salt-works in the vicinity of the town. The troops were successfully landed, but the enemys pickets, giving intelligence of our approach, the enemy hastily evacuated the place, but did not snccee4 in escaping the shot and shell which were thrown into their ranks from two 30 and two 20 pounder Parrott guns with which the Planter was armed. Very extensive salt-works, the range of vats reaching more than a quarter of a mile, with all their kettles and furnaces, were completely demolished, while a most valuable reconnaissance was made of the region in the direction of ilardeeville, on the Savannah aud Charleston Railroad. On the morning of the 1st [3d] instant Colonel Barton, in command of the same steamers, moved from Fort Pulaski up the Savannah River to a point a short distance beyond the second Coast Survey station on Elba Island. The object intended to be gained was to make a recon- naissance up the river in the direction of Fort Jackson, and to destroy, if possible, some of the rebel steamers in use upon the obstructions now being placed in the river. On reaching the point above indicated fire was opened upon the steamers of the enemy, which got up steam and retreated as rapidly as possible under cover of Fort Jackson. After a short time three of the steamers again came out and attempted to make fast to the iron-clad battery, which is anchored about 500 yards below the fort. The rapidity and accuracy of our fire drove the boats from the floating battery back to the fort, while some of our shells reached and exploded in or over the fort itself. While our boats were engaged in firing upon the steamers of the enemy a rebel battery, upon Carstons Bluff, opened fire upon them, but a few shots from our long guns silenced them, and, it is supposed, inflicted some damage upon a regiment of infantry encamped near and in the earthwork. This re- connaissance seems to have produced great commotion in the city of Sava~nnah, as the house-tops were soon covered with a multitude of spectators. From the facts developed by Colonel Barton I am inclined to believe that a joint attack upon Savannah by the Army and Navy would be crowned with success Page 125 MAY AND SAVANNAH RIVERS, GA. ChAP. XXVI.] 125 At the request of Admiral DuPont, commanding the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, an expedition was formed, under the command of Brigadier-General Brannan, to co-operate with the Navy in the cap- ture of a fort at Saint Johns Bluff, abont 7 miles above the mouth of Saint Johns iRiver. One of the transports engaged in the expedition has just come in for a supply of coal, bringing a report from General Brannan announcing the capture of the fort, which was evacuated by the enemy after an attack by our gunboats. The rebels seemed to have left the work in very great haste, as their guns were all mounted, loaded, and in good condition, the ammunition served, and everything in excel- lent fighting order. The magazine will be blown up and the works will be utterly destroyed. It is intended to bring off the guns, namely, two 8-inch columbiads, two 8-inch guns, smooth bore, two 8-inch howitzers, and two 4.6-inch rifled guns. The gunboats had proceeded up the river some distance, and report a large amount of corn on the river, which will be either brought away or destroyed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. M. MITCHEL, ]Jliajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. No. 2. Report of ~Jol. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, On the Savannah River, Fort Pulaski, Ga., October 4, 1862. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that in accordance with the permission granted in his communication of September 26 I left this post at 1 oclock on the morning of the 30th ultimo, with armed steamers Planter and Starlight, having on board five companies Forty-eighth New York State Volunteers, under command of Capt. D. W. Strickland, and a detachment of Company G, 1?hird Rhode Island Artillery, in charge of Capt. John IL Gould. We arrived at the mouth of Maycommonly called BlufftonIRiver, about three-quarters of an hour before daybreak, and proceeded as rapidly as possible up the river. My original design was to land the infantry force at a point 1~ miles this side of Bluffton, and by making a rapid march gain a point in the rear of the village to which all the roads leading from it converge, and thus cutting off a squadron of cavalry I knew to be stationed there. Unfortunately, how- ever, when within half a mile of this point, in the thick fog which pre~ vailed the Planter ran aground, and the noise of the engines in getting her off revealed us to the enemys pickets, and rendered anything like a surprise impossible. I however landed the troops as soon after the steamer got afloat as possible, and directing Captain Strickland to skirmish and scout the country thoroughly and to keep up constant comn~unication with me through his signal officer, proceeded with the steamers directly up to Bluffton, keeping some half a mile ahead of the troops on shore. This village is one of the most defensible pos- sible against an attack by water, as the river makes a sharp turn a short distance from it and the bluffs entirely command the narrow channel through which vessels necessarily approach bows on. W Page 126 126 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CILA-P. XXVI. found the town entirely deserted, however, although there was every evidence that a portion of the inhabitants and the enemys cavalry had just left. I remained here only long enough for the infantry to come up, but pushed on up the river to Crowells plantation and Gadsdens Bluft, where I had learned there were extensive salt-works. Immedi- ately after leaving the wharf we discovered some 200 cavalry and a body of infantry rapidly retreating down the Hardeeville road which was skirted on the opposite side by impassable woods, but entirely open on the side toward us. We opened fire upon them from all our guns, and I am convinced most effectively; our shell exploded very frequently directly among them, and there was soon a perfect stampede. I feel cer- tain that their loss in killed and wounded must have been very consid- erable. We continued firing until they were entirely out of sight and range, by which time we had reached Crowells plantation, which had been left by its owner half an hour before. The salt-works here we completely demolished, tearing down the fur- naces and vats and destroying the kettles. Some contrabands made their appearance, who pointed out the location of other salt-works just above, which we also destroyed. These last were very extensive, the vats extending for more than a quarter of a mile. The yield of salt must have been very great. Meanwhile the enemy again made his appearance on a high bluff a mile distant with a piece of artillery drawn by four horses, but upon the first discharge of our guns they beat a most precipitate retreat. As we had fully accomplished the object of our expedition, and nothing more remained to be done, we re- turned to Fort Pulaski. On our way down we stopped again at Bluffton, and carried off a con- siderable quantity of furniture from the deserted houses, which is now at this post, subject to the disposal of the general commanding. In behalf of my officers and myself I would respectfully request that we be permitted to retain these articles for our use while at this post. The reconnaissance made of the roads to and beyond Bluffton was most complete and perfect, and I trust at some future time may prove useful in future operations toward Savannah. All the roads bore evidence of the confused retreat of the enemy. I learned among other things that the force at Hardeeville does not consist of over three regiments, and that there are two not very formidable b~teries between Bluffton and that place, both on the main road. It affords me pleasure to add that the officers and men of my com- mand conducted themselves during the day in the most commendable manner, embarking and disembarking in perfect order and with great promptness. They were only disappointed that they did not get a nearer view of the enemy. I would mention as especially deserving of commendation Captain Strickland, who commanded the land forces, and Captain Coan, in charge of skirmishers, both of Forty-eighth New York State Volun- teers; also Captain Gould and Lieutenant Fry, Third IRhode Island Artillery, for their excellent gunnery. Adjt. A. W. C-oodell, of my regi- ment, also rendered me efficient aid. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Cohrnel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Oomdg. Post, Lieutenant-Colonel PRENTICE, Assistant Ad4jutant- general, Chief of Sta Page 127 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. C. 127 SEPTEMBER 30OCTOBER 13, 1862.Expedition from Hilton Head, S. C., to Saint Johns Bluff; Fla. STTMMARV OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. October 1, 1862.Engagement at Saint Johns Bluff. 2, 1862.Skirmishes between Mayport Mills and Saint Johns Bluff. 3, 1862.Capture of Saint Johns Bluff. 5, l~62.Recapture of Jacksonville. 69, 1862.Expedition from Jacksonville to Lake Beresford. 7, 1862.Capture of the Governor Milton. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infaiitry. No. 3.First Lient. George H. Hill, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, including expedition from Hilton Head to Pocotaligo River, S. C., October 2123, 1862. No. 4.Lient. Franklin E. Town, Forty-second New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, of recapture of Jacksonville. No. 5.Lieut. George W. Bacon, Aide-dc-Camp, of capture of the Governor Milton. No. 6.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Middle and East Florida. No. 7.Lient. Col. C. F. Hopkins, C. S. Army, and resulting correspondence. Ko. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. Army, commanding expe dition. HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, U. S. TRANSPORT BEN DE FORD, Saint Johns River, Ela., October 4, 1862. GENERAL: In accordance with your instructions I arrived within the bar of this river on the afternoon of the 1st of the present month, and the same night effected a landing at a place known as Mayport Mills. I afterward established a position on Mount Pleasant Creek, though with great difficulty, owing to the swampy nature of the country and the number of unfordable creeks intersecting it. On our first arrival in the river the rebels, as far as I could ascertain, received re-enforcements, making their garrison in Saint Johns Bluff batteries about 1,200 in- fantry and cavalry, with a light battery of eight guns, iii addition to thc~ heavy armament of the batteries. I further learned that they were momentarily expecting re-enforcements from Georgia. On the 1st instant the gunboats made a reconnaissance on the river, and were immediately and warmly engaged by the batteries on Saint Johns Bluff, on which they withdrew. However yesterday, the 3d instant, on making a further reconnais- sance, the batteries were found to have been evacuated by the rebels. I immediately advanced from my position on Mount Pleasant Creek and occnl)ied the batteries and late camps of the enemy. The batteries, which are skillfully constructed, well armed, and well supplied with ammunition, appear to have been deserted in great haste, the guns be- ing all mounted, loaded, and in good condition, the ammunition served, ~nd everything in excellent fighting order, I ~m in fact utterly at Page 128 128 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [OHAr. XXVL loss to account for this sudden evacuation on the part of the rebels, as, in addition to a most skillfully constructed line of defense, the l)osition possesses natural advantages which render it almost impregnable, and, with the number of men which I know to have occnpied it, the position might have beeu maintained for a considerable time and the task of reducing it rendered one of extreme difficulty and danger to a much larger force than I had at my disposal. In advancing to Mount Pleas- ant Creek our pickets had some skirmishing with the rebels; indeed, dnring our entire advance to Saint Johns Bluff the guerrillas continued to show themselves in the woods, and occasionally to fire at ns, even after the evacuation of the batteries. They, however, did ns no injury. On the 2d instant a scouting party of the Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Captain Keck, of that regimneiit, sur- prised a camp of the rebels, taking some camp equipage and about sixty stand of arms of all descriptions, but chiefly rifles. The men effected their escape, having horses and being much favored by the intricate nature of the ground. I am much indebted to the gunboats, Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, in command, for the prompt and energetic manner in which they as- sisted at the disembarkation of the troops, and the valuable assistance rendered by their howitzers in covering the landing and advance of the infantry. On leaving this point it is my intention to blow up the magazines and ntterly destroy the works on Saint Johns Bluff, and 1 am at present engaged in removing the guns, which I propose to take with me, they being of considerable value, their number and caliber as follows, viz: Two 8-inch columbiads, two 8-inch guns, smooth bore, two 8-inch how- itzers, and two 4.6-inch rifled guns. I return the transport Cosmopolitan, and respectfully request that I may receive by her rations for my com- mand for ten days from the 10th instant, as it will yet take me some time to complete my work on this river. Owing to information received yesterday, the 3d instant, as to the strength of the enemy, I deemed it expedient, on consultation with Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding gunboats, to send the Cosmopolitan to Fernandina, Fla -, and to call on that garrison for re- enforcements to my command. This call Colonel Rich, Nintl~Regiment Maine Volunteers, commanding, promptly answered to, by sending 300 men, ~ho arrived early this morning. The occasion fot- which they were required, however, having passed, I sent them back per this ship. The gunboats prQceeded np the river yesterday and will return this afternoon. Captain Steedman, who has just returned, states that there is much corn on the bank of the river. This I propose to take with me if possible; if not, to destroy it. He (Captain Steedman) was informed that three Georgia regiments were to have arrived at Jacksonville this morning; but in consequence of the evacuation were ordered back. I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. BRANNAN, Brigadier- Ceneral, Commanding. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Comdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S C. IIDQRS. ExPEDITION TO SAINT JOHNS RIVER, Steamship Ben De Ford, October 13, 1862. COLONEL: In accordance with orders received from headquarters De- partment of the South, I assumed command of the following forces in Page 129 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON IlIAD, S. C. 129 tended to operate against the rebel batteries at Saint Johns Bluff and such other pbrts of the Saint Johns River as should contain rebel works: The Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. T. II. Good, effective strength 825; Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Col. Joseph R. Hawley, effective strength 647; section of First Connecticut Light Battery, Lieutenant Cannon, effective strength 41; detachment of First Massachusetts Cavalry, Captain Case, effective strength 60. Total, 1,573. The expedition left Hilton Head, S. C., on the afternoon of Septem- ber 30, on the trausports Ben De Ford, Boston, Cosmopolitan, and Nep: tune, and arrived off the bar of Saint Johns River early on the follow- ing morning (October 1), but was unable to enter the river until 2 p. in. the same day, owing to the shallowness of the channel. This expedition was joined by the following fleet of gunboats, Capt. Charles Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding, ordered to co-operate with it: Paul Jones, flag-ship; Cimarron, Captain Woodhull; Water Witch, Lieutenant-Coin mander Pendergrast; Hale, Lieutenant -Commander Snell; Uncas, Lieutenant-Commander Crane; Patroon, Lieutenant-Com- mander lIJran. On the expedition coming within the river three gunboats were sent up to feel the position of the enemy and were immediately and warmly engaged by the batteries, apparently of heavy armament, on Saint Johns Bluff. A landing was effected at a place known as May- port Mills, a short distance from the entrance of the river, and the en- tire troops, with their arms, horses, and rations, were on shore by 9 oclock on the night of the 1st. The country between this point and Saint Johns Bluff l)resented great difficulties in the transportation of troops, being intersected with impassable swamps and unfordable creeks, and presenting the alternative of a march, without land trans- l)ortation, of nearly 40 miles, to turn the head of the creek, or to re- land up the river at a strongly-guarded position of the enemy. On further investigation of the locality a landing was effected foi~ the in- fantry about 2 oclock on the morning of the 2d at a place known as Buckhorn Creek, between Pablo and Mount Pleasant Creeks; but, owing to the swampy nature of the grommd, it was found impracti- cable to land tbe cavalry and artillery at that point. Here the gun- boats iendered most valuable assistance, by transporting the troops in their boats and in sending t~heir light howiizers to cover their land- ing. Col. T. H. Good, with the entire infantry and the marine howit- zers. was ordered to proceed immediately to the head of Mount Pleasant Creek, and there establish a posit-ion to cover the landing 6f the cavalry and artillery. This movement was executed with great promptness and skill, surprising and putting to flight the rebel pickets on that creek. Indeed, the landing of the troops at Buckhorn Creek and their rapid movements on Mount Pleasant Creek proved to be most fortunate for ns, such a proceeding being so unexpected on the part of the enemy as entirely to disarrange any plans they may have formed to prevent our landing. The pickets retired in such haste and trepidation as to leave their camps standing, their arms, and even a great portion of their wear- ing apparel behind them, and the men themselves may thank the intri-. cate nature of the ground, together with their superior knowledge of a country almost impracticable to a stranger. that they effected their escape. - On the afternoon of the 3d the command of artillery and infantry was in position at the head of Mount Pleasant Creek, distant about 9 R HVOL XI Page 130 130 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. 2 miles from the enemys works on Saint Johns BluIL Here the statements of those belonging to the locality, though conflicting and unreliable in the extreme, al)peared to agree in placing the strength of the rebels at 1,200 cavalry and infantry, in addition to the heavy batteries, which they represented as containing nine heavy pieces, two of them being columbiads. Under these circumstances I deemed it expedient, on consultation with Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding naval forces, to call upon the garrison of Fernandina for re-enforcements. To this call Colonel Rich, Ninth Regiment Maine Volunteers, commanding that garrison, responded promptly by sen(I- ing 300 men early on the following morning. Later on that day, from farther information received, Captain Steedman, at my request, sent three gunboats to feel the position of the rebels, shelling them as they advanced, when the batteries were found to be evacuated; after which Lieutenant Snell, Ill. S. Navy, sent a boat ashore and raised the American flag, finding the rebel flag in the battery. The U. S. steamer Water Witch retaining possession of the batteries until the arrival of the land forces, the command immediately advanced from the positiomi on Mount Pleasant Creek and occupied the batteries and late camp of the enemy. At about 5 oclock on the evening of the 3(1 the cavalry, not having landed with the portion of the troops, were here disem- barked. I found the late positioii of the enemy on Saint Johns Bluff to be one of great strength, and possessing a heavy and effective arma- ment, with a good supply of ammunition, as will be seen by the 8c(~om- panying inventory of ordnance capturedthe works being most skill- fully and carefully constructed and the pOsition greatly enhanced by the natural advantages of the ground, it being approachable from the laud by but one route. which would lead the attacking party through a winding ravine immediately under the guns of the position, and from the narrowness of the channel at this l)Oint and the elevation of the bluff rendering the fighting of the gunboats most difficult and danger- ous. Most of the guns were mounted on a complete traverse circle, and indeed, taking everything into consideration, I have no doubt but that a small party of determined men could have maintained this posi- tion for a considerable time against even a larger force than was at my disposal. On the day following my occupation of these works (October 4) I proceeded to dismount t~ie guns and to remove them and the ammuni- tion on board the transport Neptune, which work was completed on the 7th, when I forwarded them to Hilton Head, and caused the magazines to be blown up, and otherwise destroyed the entire works on the bluffi On first occupying the bluff-Captain Steedman, with his gunboat, pro- ceeded immediately to Jacksonville, for the purpose of destroying all boats and otherwise intercepting the passage of the rebel troops across the river. On the 5th, leaving the work of removing the guns from Saint Johns Bluff to Col. T. H. Good, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, my second in command, I proceeded up the river as far as Jack- sonville in the transport Ben De Ford with 785 infantry. I observed a large quantity of corn and other crops on the banks of the river, which it was at first my intention either to remove or destroy. This purpose I afterward abandoned as impracticable, not having either forces or transportation sufficient to remove it and seeing from the communication of the major-general commanding that he did not desire the delay nec- essary to (lestroy it. The rebels had a light battery of eight pieces and a position in readiness to receive seven heavy guns at a place calle Page 131 Ciiii.. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. C. 131 Yellow Bluff, which they appear to have lately evacuated. Jackson- ville I found to be nearly deserted, there being but a small portion of its inhabitants leftchiefly old men, women, and children. On our first arrival some few rebel cavalry were hovering around the town, but they immediately retired on my establishing a picket line. From this town and its neighborhood I bring with me several refugees and about 276 contrabands, including men, women, and children. On the 6th, hearing that some rebel steamers were secreted in the creeks up the river, I sent the Darlington, with 100 men of the Forty. seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, in charge of Captain Yard, with two 24-pounder light howitzers and a crew of 25 men, all under the command of Lieutenant Williams, U. S. Navy, and a convoy of gunboats, to cut them out. This party returned on the morning of the 9th with a rebel steamer, Governor Milton, which they captured in a creek about 230 miles up the river and about 27 miles from the town of Enterprise. Lieutenant Bacon, my aide-dc-camp, accompanied the expedition. Finding that the Cosmopolitan, which had been sent to Hilton Head for provisions, had so injured herself in returning across the bar as to be temporarily unfit for service, I sent the Seventh Regi- ment Connecticut Volunteers to Hilton Head by the steamer Boston on the afternoon of the 7th instant, with the request that she might be returned, to assist in the transportation to Hilton Head of the re- maining portion of my command. On the return of the successful expedition after the rebel steamers, on the 9th I proceeded with that portion of my command to Saint Johns Bluff, awaiting the return of the Boston. On the 11th instant I embarked the section of the First Connecticut Light Battery, with their guns, horses~ & c., and one company of the Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, on board the steamer iDarlington, sending them to Hilton Head via Fernandina, Fla. On the 11th, the Boston having returned, 1 embarked myself, with the last re- maining portion of my command, except one company of the Forty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, left to assist and protect the Cosmo- politan, for Hilton Head, S. C., on the 12th instant, and arrived at that place on the 13th instant. The captured steamer Governor Milton I left in charge of Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy. It is evident that the troops in this portion of the country, from their being in separate and distinct companies, have not sufficient organiza- tion or determination to attempt to sustain any one position; but seem rather to devote themselves to a system of guerrilla warfare, as was exemplified in our advance on Saint Johns Bluff, where, even after the evacuation of the fort, they continued to appear on our flank and in our front; but, as they seemed to fear a too near approach, their fire was never effective. The gunboats rendered great and valuable assistance during this ex- pedition, and high praise is due to their commander, Capt. Charles Steedman, U. S. Navy, for the prompt and energetic manner in which he entered into every scheme for the reduction of the enemy and the destruction of their works and the zeal and activity with which he personally superintended every detail of his portion of the duties; and, further, for his generous assistance in relieving the transport Cosmo- politan. 1 aseerta~ned at JacksonviUe that the enemy commenced evacuating the Bluff immediately after the surprise of their pickets near Mount Pleasant Creek, on the 3d instailt. It affords me pleasure to state that the most perfect harmony an Page 132 132 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL good feeling existed between the two branches of the service in every respect, doubtless owing to the gallant and gentlemanly conduct of the commander of the naval forces. The troops under my command showed great energy, zeal, and activity, and a desire to meet the enemy; but the latter were too fleet for them. I doubt not they. will give a good account of themselves when the o~)portunity affords. I am i~inch indebted to my staff, Capt. L. J. Lambert, assistant adju- tantgeneral; Capt. 1. Coryell, assistant quartermaster, and Lieuts. I. V. Gerinain and G. W. Bacon, ai des-de-camp, for their zeal, energy, and attention to their duties during the entire expedition, particularly the three latter officers, who were always ready at all times for any duty. To Captain Coryell, assistant quartermaster, the Qnartermasters Department owes much for his untiring energy and activity in giving his valuable assistance to the transport Cosmopolitan after her accident. I am also under obligation to Capt. A. P. Rockwell, First Connecticut Light Battery, who acted as additional aide-de-camp, and to the offi- cers of the Signal Corps, Lients. G. H. Hill and F. E. Town, who per- formed their duties with great satisfaction to me and the expedition. I have the honor to be, colonel, most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. BRANNAX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. W. P. PRENTICE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C. No. 2. Reports of Lieut. Col. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Mount Pleasant Landing, Fla., October 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report~ for the informa- tion of the general commanding: In accordance with orders received I landed my regiment on the bank of Buckhorn Creek at 7 oclock yesterday morning. After landing I i~ioved forward in the direction of Parkers plantation, about 1 mile, being then within about 14 miles of said plantation. Here I halted to await the arrival of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment. I advanced two companies of skirmishers toward the house, with instructions to halt in case of meeting any of the enemy and report the fact to me. After they had advanced about three-quarters of a mile they halted and reported some of the enemy ahead. I immediately went forward to the line and saw some 5 or 6 mounted men about 700 or 800 yards ahead. I then ascended a tree, so that I might have a distinct view of thehouse~andfromthiselevatedpositionJdistinctlysawonecompany of infantry close by the house, which I supposed to number about 30 or 40 men, and also some 60 or 70 mounted men. After waiting for the arrival of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers until 10 oclock, and it not appearing, I dispatched a squad of m~n back to the landing for a 6-poupder field howitzer which had been kindly offered to my service by Lieutenant Boutelle, of the Paul Jones. Tills howitzer had bee Page 133 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION PROM HILTON HEAD, S. c. 133 stationed on a flat-boat to protect our landing. The party, however, did not arrive with the piece until 12 oclock, in consequence of the difficulty of dragging it through the swamp. Being anxious to have as little delay as possible, I did not await the arrival of the howitzer, but at 11 a. m. moved forward, and as I advanced the enemy fled. After reaching the house I awaited the arrival of the Seventh Con- necticut and the howitzer. After they arrived I moved forward to the head of Mount Pleasant Creek to a bridge, at which place I arrived at 2 p. m Here I found the bridge destroyed, but which I had repaired in a short time. I then crossed it and moved down on the south bank toward Mount Pleasant Landing. After moving about 1 mile down the bank of the creek my skirmishing companies came upon a camp, which evidently had been very hastily evacuated, from the fact that the occu- pants had left a table standing with a sumptuous meal already pre- pared for eating. On the center of the table was placed a fine, large meat pie still warm, from which one of the party had already served his plate. The skirmishers also saw 3 mounted men leave the place in hot haste. I also found a small quantity of commissary and quarter. masters stores, with 23 tents, which, for want of transportation, I was obliged to destroy. After moving about a mile farther on I came across another camp, which also indicated the same sudden evacuation. In it I found the following articles, viz: Eighteen ~llalls breech-loading carbines, 12 double-barreled shot-guns, 8 breech-loading Maynard rifles 11 Enfleld rifles, and 96 knapsacks. These articles I brought along by having the men carry them. There were, besides, a small quantity of commissary and quartermasters stores, including 16 tents, which, for the same reason as stated, I ordered to be destroyed. I then pushed forward to the landing, where I arrived at 7 p. m. We drove the enemys skirmishers in small parties along the entire march. The march was a difficult one, in consequence of meeting so many swamps almost knee-deep. I am, sir, your obedient servant, T. II. GOOD, Colonel Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain LANBERT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Saint Johns Bluff, Fla., October 3, 1862. SIR: For the information of the general commanding I have the honor to make the following report: At 9 oclock last night Lieutenant Cannon reported to me that his command, consisting of one section of the First Connecticut Battery, was then coming up the creek on flat-boats with a view of landing. At 4 oclock this morning a safe landing was effected and the command was ready to move. The, order to move to Saint Johns B1uft~ reached me at 4 p. m. yesterday. In accordance with it I put the column in motion immediately and moved cautiously up the bank of the Saint Johns River, the skirmishing companies occasionally seeing small parties of the enemy~s cavalry retiring in our front as we advanced. When about 2 miles from the bluff the left wing of the skirmishing line came upon another camp of the enemy, which, however, in consequence of the lateness of the hour, I did not take time to examine, it being then already dark Page 134 134 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. After my arrival at the bluff, it being then 7.30 oclock, I dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander with two companies back to the last- named camp (which I found, from a number of papers left behind, to have been called Camp Hopkins and occupied by the Milton Artillery, of Florida) to reconnoiter and ascertain its condition. Upon his return he reported that from every appearance the skedaddling of the enemy was as sudden as in the other instances already mentioned, leaving their trunks and all the camp equipage behind; also a small quantity of commissary stores, sugar, rice, half barrel of flour, one bag of salt, & c., including 60 tents, which I have brought in this morning. The commissary stores were used by the troops of my command. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, T. H. GOOD, Colonel Forty-seventh Regiment Pa. Vols., Comdg. Captain LAMEEIIT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. 4 Report of First Lieut. George H. Hill, F~fty-ftftfh Pennsylvania Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, including expedition from Hilton Head to Poco. taligo River, S. C., October 2123, 1862. HiLTON HEAD, S. C., November 1, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report: October 1 I was at Mayport Mills, Saint Johns River, Florida, on duty with the expedition nuder command of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan, Lieutenant Town, acting signal officer, being on board the flag-ship Paul Jones, of the naval squadron, Captain Steedman commanding. We kept constant communication open between the land and naval forces. The signals were very ex- tensively used, both day and night, until the evening of the 3d, after the retreat of the enemy from the battery on Saint Johns Bluff. The signals were also of some service in advancing up the river to Jack- sonville on the 5th; and upon our arrival at Jacksonville on the after- noon of the 5th, our pickets being attacked by the enemys cavalry, and Lieutenant Town having gone on board the gunboat Cimarron that vessel was ordered to shell the enemy. The firing being regulated by the signals, the enemy were soon driven back some miles from our lines. While at Jacksonville Licuten ant Town and myself kept com- munication open between the Navy and the force on shore. On the morning of the 12th we left the Saint Johns River, and~on the morning of the 13th, we having arrived here, I was directed by General Bran- nan to report to Lieutenant Keenan, chief acting signal officer Depart- ment of the South, for duty. From the 13th to the 21st I remained on duty at the station at Hilton Head, S. C., when, having received orders from Lieutenant Keenan, I reported to Brig. Gen. J. M. Branuan, on board the U. S. trausport Ben De Ford, to accompany an expedition up the Coosawhatchie River. The fleet consisted of 15 vessels (gunboats and transports). There being six other signal officers on the gunboats andtransports we successfully kept communication open between Gen- eral Brannan, commanding the troops, Captain Steedman, command- ing the naval forces, General Terry, on board the U. S. transport Bo Page 135 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. C. 135 ton, and the other commanders of the different gunboats and trans- ports. At about 12 oclock midnight of the 21st on board the Paul Jones were displayed three red lights (the signal previously agreed on), and the expedition started np the Broad and Coosawhatchie Rivers, the Paul Jones leading off. At daylight on the morning of the 22d we anchored in the Coosawhatchie River, off the mouth of the Pocotaligo River, at a place known as Mackays Point, and as the different vessels came up their troops were at once landed. Lieutenant Cross accompa- iiied General Terry ashore and opened communication with me. From 6 a. m. till about 11.30 a. in., during the debarkation of the troops, the signals were extensively used, so much so in fact that there was at no time an interval of five minutes that I was not engaged in either send- ing or receiving messages, orders, and reports of the operations of the force on the land. At about 11.30 a. in., October 22, most of the troops being lauded and having pushed forward, General Brannan ~nd staff landed, and we soon reached the head of the column. When about 6 miles from the l)lace of landing we came in sight of the enemys cav- alry at a place known as Caston. We opened on them with the artil- lery, advancing as we fired. We were soon received with a heavy fire from the enemys artillery posted in a thick wood. As the country was low and thickly wooded, and the troops not being able to act in concert with the gunboats, our services as signal officers were rendered useless. Lieutenant 4~ross acted as aide to General Terry and I acted as aide to General Brannan throughout the day, the other signal officers re- maining on board the gunboats. After an engagement of nearly an hour the enemy fell back to the north side of a creek, destroying the bridge in their retreat. Here the enemy made another stand at a place known as Frainpton, but after a resistance of about two hours they were again compelled to retreat. They fell back to the east side of Pocotaligo River, where they seemed to have rifle pits. They destroyed the bridge across the Pocotaligo River, rendering it impossible for us to reconstruct the bridge in front of their battery of field pieces and the river was not fordable. At this point it is believed the enemy received re-enforcements. We engaged the enemy here until dark, when, our ammunition being nearly exhausted, we fell back to the place of landing (Mackays Point) in the morning, a di~tance of about 10 miles, and by 4 a. in. October 23 the whole command had reached Mackays Point, and during the day embarked on board the transports and returned to Hilton Head. I learn that our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 419.* That of the enemy must have also been severe, besides having lost several prisoners. During the embarkation of the troops and until we arrived at Hilton Head the signal detachments were kept employed and of some service. On the morning of the 24th I received orders from General Brannan to report to Lieut. E. J. Kee~ nan, chief acting signal officer Department of the South, for duty, and I have since been on duty at this station at Hilton Head. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. HILL, First Lieut., P~fty-ftfth Regt. Pa. Vols., Acting Signal Officer. Maj. ALBERT J. MYER, Signal Officer, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0. * But see revised statement, p. 148 Page 136 136 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST 1LA. (CRAP. XXVI. No. 4. Report of Second Lieut. Franklin 17. Town, F New York In- fantry, Acting Signal Officer, of recapture of Jacksonville. OFFICE OF TilE SIGNAL OFFICE, Beaufort, 5. 0., October 13, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report to you that on the 23d of Sep- tember, in obedience to an order from Lieut. E. J. Keenan, chief signal officer Department of the South, I reported to Brigadier-General Bran- nan for special service, to accompany an expedition being organize(1 under his command to proceed to Saint Johns Bluff, Fla. In obe- dience to General Brannans orders I embarked on the 25th of Septein- ber, and the expedition proceeded as far as Hilton Head, S. C., from whence we returned to Beaufort and disembarke(1 the same afternoon, the prevalenceof a severe storm preventing the sailing of t~e expedi- tion. On the 30th of September we again embarked, and arrived at Saint Johns River early the following morning (October 1). 1 was then stationed on board the gunboat Paul Jones, by order of Lient. G. H. Hill, senior signal officer of the expedition. Before the landing of the troops was completed it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned their battery on Saint Johns Bluff, and on the 3d of Octo- ber the Paul Jones went up the river to Jacksonville. Th~ Paul Jones returned to the Bluff the following morning, and on the Sdi she accom- panied General Brannan to Jacksonvilie, General Brannan being on the steamer Boston with part of a regiment. That afternoon our forces, who had been sent out as skirmishers, met a l)arty of the enemy who were behind the town, and the gunboat Cimarron opened a fire of shell upon the enemy. During the firing I was stationed on the Cimar- ron to assist in directing the fire by sign ml. After the firing ceased I returned to the Paul Jones. On the 12th of October I embarked to return on the steamer Boston, General Brannan being on the Ben De Ford. Lieutenant Hill and myself kept the steamers in communica- tion with each other until our arrival at Hilton Head this morning (October 13). There being no resistance by the enemy, our signals were used only as a means of communication between General Brannan, whose headquarters were on board the steamer Ben Dc Ford, and Cap. tam Steed man, commanding the gunboat fleet at Saint Johns, and were not used on shore. The signals were very extensively used, and I am happy to say to tha gratification of General Brannan, who testifies in his report of the expedition to their efficiency and usefulness. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANKLIN E. TOWN, Second Licut. Forty-second N. Y. Vols., and Acting Signal Officer. Maj. A. J. MYER, Signal Officer, U. S. Army, Washington. No. 5. Report of Licut. George W. Bacon, Aide-dc-Camp, of capture of the Gov ernor Milton. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, flilton head, S. C., Decernbcr 30, 1862. CAPTAIN: For the information of the general commanding I hav Page 137 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. 0. 137 the honor to report the facts in regard to the case of the captured steamer Governor Milton. On October 6 last, in obedience to orders, I proceeded with the expedition sent from Jacksonville, Fla., up the Saint Johns River, in search of rebel steamers. At 9 p. m. the next day, October 7, discovered the steamer Governor Milton in a small creek, 2 miles above Hawkinsville; boarded her in a small boat, and found that she had been r~iri in there but a short time before, as her fires were not yet out. Her engineer and mate, then in charge, were asleep on board at the time of her capture. They in- formed us that owing to the weakness of the stealners boiler we found her where we did, as they had intended to take her np as far as Enter- prise. We returned with our prize the next day. When the expedition returned from the Saint Johns River the Gov- ernor Milton was left with Captain Steedman, who was in command of the naval forces in the Saint Johns, and was used by him for nearly two weeks, after making some repairs to her boiler and machinery, when she was sent to Hilton Head, and there appraised by the Navy at $2,000, and turned over to the Quartermasters Department, in whose employ she has been ever since. The Governor Milton is now at Bean- fort, S. C., for the purpose of having her boiler and machinery repaired, she being entirely unfit for use in her present condition. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. BACON, Lieutenant and Aide-de- Camp. Capt. LOUIS J. LAxIBERT, Assistant Adjutant-General, fl~enth Army Corps. No. 6. Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of Middle and East Florida. LAKE CITY, FLA., October 2, 1862. I am hard pressed on the Saint Johns River; 3,000 men reported by the commanding officer at Saint Johns Bluff as having landed at Mayport Mills. The enemy engaged our batteries again and were re- pulsed. Please send me one regiment of infantry as soon as possible. I asked for a regiment some ten days since, but have not heard from you on the subject. JOS. FINEGAN, General S. COOPER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Adjutant and Inspector General. LAxJ~ CITY, FLA., October 2, 1862. GENTLEMEN: I am hard pressed on the Saint Johns River. The commanding officer at Saint Johns Bluff reports 3,000 Federals are being landed at Mayport Mills. The enemy engaged our batteries again yesterday for the third time and were repulsed. I have not suf- ficient men to resist a land attack if made in force. Do go at once to the Secretary and get one or two regiments of infantry from the coast o Page 138 1.18 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST ILA. [CHAP. XXVI. Georgia. If 1 had them for a few days it might save the Saint Johns River and perhaps East Florida. JOS. FINEGAN, Hon. JA1wi~S S. BAKER, Brigadier-General. Hon. A. E. MAXWELL, Hon. JAMES B. DAWKINS, Hon. R. B. IIILTc N. IIDQRS. PROY. FORCES, DEPT. EAST AND MIDDLE FLA., Jacksonville, lila., October 3, 1862. On my arrival on the river last night I found that the post at Saint Johns Bluff had been evacuated. The enemy made a landing some 5 miles in the rear of the battery, but in what force I am unable to say. As at present advised I think we had sufficient force to hold the place, and that its abandonment by Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, the com- manding officer, was a gross military blunder, that may require inves- tigation. JOS. FINEGAK, General ~. COOPER. Brigadier-General, Commanding. No.7. Reports of Lieut. Gol. C. F. Hopkins, C. S. Army, and resulting corre spondence. CAMP DUNHAM, FLA., October 8, 1862. GENERAL: Below I have the honor to submit such a statement as the circumstances will permit of my proceedings at the post of Saint Johns Binif fi-om September26 to October 3: On taking command of the post I proceeded to examine the condition of the magazines, batteries, & c., and set at work fatigue details to strengthen and put them in thorough repair. When I arrived there were five gunboats in the river- the bar, and on the 30th , on September 29 another came over another, making in all seven gunboats. They made no movement toward attacking the biitteries. From this fact, together with reports from our pickets that heavy work was being done on board the boats, I beca- e apprehensive that forces would be lauded and the batteries attacked by land troops iii reverse. Acting upon this suspicion I immediately dispatched you a communication, from which I copy the following expressions: I deem it necessary that at least one regiment of infantry should be sent to this point without delay lo protect our rear. * * * The force of infantry now here is not sufficient to repel an attack made in force, and in addition to the limited number for rear defense we have not ammunition sufficient for small-arms for more than one hours tight closely contested. Later on the same day I wrote you a communication, in which the following expressions occur: I am fully impressed with the belief that the enemy contemplate a land attack, as they will and have found it impracticable to succeed by water. I cannot urge uj~n you too strongly, general; the necessity for sending as soon as practicable re-enforce- ments of infantry Page 139 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. C. 139 In the same letter I advised you that Sergeant Floyd, of Captain U.] Westcatts company, reported that from the old light-house be could distinctly see a very large number of men on both decks of a large transport steamer, which was anchored not more than half a mile from where he was. On the 1st instant three large transports entered the river, and at 2 p. m. three gunboats engaged our batteries and were repulsed after an hours fight. I then dispatched an order to Captain Dunham. command ing at Yellow Bluff, from which I copy the following expressions: Three large transports have just come into the river, all crowded with troops. There are also seven gunboats, making in all ten vessels. The fact of their concentrating here so many vessels and troops is sufficient evidence of their intention to land a large force. You will therefore dismount the three cavalry companies under your com- mand and send them over to-night by the steamer. During the engagement between the gunboats and our batteries the enemy commenced landing infantry and artillery at Mayport Mills. Of this fact 1 informed you in the same telegram reporting the engagement. I also dispatched an order to Captain [Joseph L.] Dunham, from which I copy the material portion: The enemy landed this afternoon at Mayport Mills about 3,000 men; also artillery. You will repair without delay tp these headquarters with your whole command. We need your artillery immediately. The cavalry companies dismounted, numbering about 110 men, were sent without delay; the artillery was not sent. It is proper, however, to add that his horses were at a distance and his caissons not with his pieces, and both time and means of transportation were very limited. OC these facts I was not aware when the order was sent. Wheu I be.. came awarethrough a letter from Captain Dunhamthat the artillery could not be obtained, I then wrote him a further order, which was sent him by the messenger bringing his letter, directing him to send over immediately all the men he could spare, and that I would do my utmost to arm them, so that they might act as infantry. To this I received no reply. This was written at 3 a. m. on the 2d instant. At an early hour on the 2d instant intelligence was received from Cap- tain [W. E.] Chambers, commanding a squadron of cavalry, that during the preceding night the enemy had landed in considerable force at Green- field and were still rapidly landing. I immediately informed Major [T. W.] Brevard, corn manding the infantry in rear of the batteries, of the intelligence received, and directed him to place his forces in line of bat- tle upon the position previously pointed out to him and so to remain until further orders. I could distinctly see from my position at the bat- tery the landing of the enemy. The troops were transferred from May- port Mills to Greenfield, as the transports were plying between the mill and the mouth of Pablo Creek and thence up the creek in launches. I immediately directed Captain Chambers to annoy them as much as possible when they commenced advancing, and, if possible, to hold them in check, it being impossible to prevent the landing without field artil- lery, as they were under cover of their guns. Captain Chambers proceeded to deploy his men as skirmishers as ad- vantageously as the circumstances would permit. After some time he informed me that the enemy had commenced their advance in the follow- ing order, viz: Two hundred skirmishers in front, with a reserve; then their advance of three companies, and in rear their main column of 2,500 men- also artillery. Captain Chambers, after holding his position as long as he considered he could do so without being flanked, informed me tha Page 140 140 COASTS O1~ S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. he had commenced falling back. This was about ip. m. From my posi- tion at the batteries I perceived that the landing still rapidly progressed after Captain Chambers fell back and continued for several hours, so that Captain Chambers could not have seen the full number, as men were landed in large numbers after he left the position from which his estimate was made. I communicated constantly with Captain Cham- bers and Major Brevard, receiving information from the former and conveying to the latter the result of my observations and sending such directions as were considered necessary from time to time. Captain Chambers was compelled to fall back steadily before the enemy, and finding that his camp would soon fail into their hands, burned his tents and other property. He still kept me informed of his position and that of the enemy, and his couriers informed me that the enemy were bring. ing field artillery with them. About this time a messenger came from Major Brevard, asking leave - to proceed with his command in the direction of the enemy and contest his passage through the swamps, of which there were a few between them and the batteries. I perceived that this was our best chance to annoy the enemy with any effect and granted the leave asked. Before Major Brevard could move, however, intelligence was received from Cap- tain Chambers that the enemy were now coming in two columnsone on the road as heretofore and the other much farther to the right. This second column had crossed Mount Pleasant Creek, and 1)0th columns moved apace with each other, guided by signalsounds. Major Brevard was now directed to remain in his present position. Shortly after this further iutelligence came from Captain Chambers that the enemy had passed through his camp and were within a few miles of the infantry, in rear of the batteries under Major Brevard. It was now growing late, and Captain Chambers was directed to fall back nearer to Major Bre- yards position, as there was every indication that the enemy would make no halt, and it was desired to have his men in sufficient proximity to place them as circumstances should require when the enemy came up. I also sent out from the batteries a detachment of 45 men, leaving only four gun detachments at the bluffi Deeming it necessary to strengthen the infantry, Captain [W.] Stephens, with his own coin pany and this detachment, was directed to take position considerably to the left of Major J3revards line, as it was now tolerably certain that one of the cohunus of the enemy would follow the river as nearly as possible, iii order that the advantage to them of their guns upon their shipping would be greater. The enemy now ceased their march. I now l)erceived that with the greatly superior forces brought against us it would be impossible to successfully, or with any hope of success, make a stand against them. Our forces in rear did not number more than 500 n~en, including the detachment sent from the batteries. This detachment was partially armed with the almost useless arms turned over by Captain Dickison. Captain [W. II.] Milton was, in effect, un- provided with ammunition, and Captain Chambers reported the am- munition of his squadron damaged by the rain, which fell constantly during the day. This was not, therefore, an efficient force. I had only four gun detachments at the batteries. The enemy had, by report of Mr. Haynes (in every respect a reliable man), 3,000 men; also artillery. By the estimate of Captain Chambers they had 2,500 men in their main column (also artillery) at the time he was forced to fall back from Greenfield, and for four hours after Captain Chamubers had fallen back from my position at the batteries I could distinctly perceive that rapid lan(ling was still in progress. From the number of boats used and th Page 141 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM HILTON HEAD, S. C. 141 rapidity with which they plied between the vessels and the landing I estimated that they could not have landed less after Captain Chambers had fallen back than 300 men per hour. Therefore, at the very small- est estimate, not less than 1,000 men were landed after Captain Cham- bers had left the ground. Against this force it was simply impossible to hold the batteries. I therefore called a conference of the officers at the batteries. Captain [John C.] Richard, Lieutenant Stuart, and my- self were present, and the question of the practicability of holding the place was discussed. The opinion was unanimous that our forces were not sufficient to resist those against us in our rear. I then sent a courier to Major Brevard, informing him of our conference at the bat- teries, and requesting him to procure an expression of opinion from him- self and the officers commanding companies outside the batteries. In the mean time, however, I understood a conference had been held by the several captains under Major Brevard, sustaining unanimously the opinion that the forces there were insufficient to repel the enemy in front. At 9 p m. the post was reluctantly abandoned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. F. HOPKINS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Comdg. Department of Middle and Eastern Florida. [Indorsement.] Respectfully referred for the information of the commanding general. While I impute no want of courage to the officer in command, I consider that he mistook his duty as an officer in not making a personal recoii- naissance of the enemy, their strength, position, & c., and in not resist- ing with the whole force at his command their approach to his works. If overpowered by actual conflict with the enemy it was then the duty of Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins to have spiked his guns and destroyed his ammunition and retire in the best order he could. Neither of these seems to have been done. The evacuation seems to have taken place some eighteen or twenty hours before the approach of the enemy by land. The guns were not spiked, nor the ammunition, of which there was a large quantity, destroyed. JOS. FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS APALACHICOLA RIVER DEFENSES, Alum Bluff, Fla., December 24, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to state, for the information of the com- manding general, tliat his communication of November 3, through Gen- eral Finegan, has been received. In reply, I inclose my demand for a court of inquiry and the decision of the court. Brioadier-General Fin- egan says in his report to you that I mistook my duty as an officer in not making a personal reconnaissance of the enemy, their strength, position, & c. In reply to this I assert that I did make a personal recon- naissance of the enemy with a glass from the batteries, and could plainly and distinctly see the men as they disembarked from the transports into smaller boats and were conveyed up to the landing in Pablo Creek; and froiu the number that I saw land I was convinced that unless I made a retreat my small command would be captured, as the guns from the bat Page 142 142 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. teries afforded no protection to the lear. In regard to not spiking the guns an(l destroying the ammunition, I did save as much of the ammu- nition as I could get transportation for, which was only one wagon load. I did not break the trunnions of the guns because the noise made in doing so would have exposed our designs to the enemy. I did not spike them because I had nothing to do it with and did not consider it impor- tant, as they did not bear upon the rear or the direction which we re- treated. Hoping that this short explanation may meet with your approbation, I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, CHAS. F. HOPKINS, Lieutenant-Colonel. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Dept. S. C., Ga., and Pta. [Inclosure No. 1.] CAMP FINEGAN, October 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Comdg. Dept. East. and Mid. Florida: GENERAL: As there have been expressions of opinion, and reports put in circulation based upon them, prejudicial to myself and the vol- unteers under my command in the evacuation of Saint Johns Bluff on the night of October 2, I respectfully demand that a court of in. quiry be called at the earliest day practicable, to examine into the facts of the case and the policy of the course pursued by myself upon that occasion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. F. HOPKINS, Lieutenent- Colonel, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS,) HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, No. . DEPT. EAST AND MIDDLE FLORIDA, Camp Finegan, October 8, 1862. At the request of Lient. Col. C. F. Hopkins, late commander at Saint Johns Bluff, a court of inquiry is hereby ordered, to convene at this post at 10 a. m. on to-morrow, to take evidence of the facts relating to the evacuation of post at Saint Johns Bluff, with its armament and stores. The court will be composed of the following officers: Licuten- amit-Colonel Mitchell, Twenty-ninth Georgia Regiment; Lieutenant- Colonel [T. W.] Maugham, Thirtieth Georgia Regiment, and Lieuten- ant [Li. F.] Abell, Milton Artillery, as judge-advocate. By order of Brigadier-General Finegan: W. CALL, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] CAMP FINEGAN, October ii, 1862. At the solicitation of Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins the court con- vened by Brigadier-General Finegan to investigate the necessity and policy of evacuating the batteries on Saint Johns Bluff hereby append its decision, inasmuch as it was contemplated by Colonel Hopkins de- mand for a court to investigate the circumstances relating to the said evacuation that the court should give an expression of its opinion: The court, after l)atiently hearing the testimony adduced by the several witnesses, and after mature deliberation, give it as their opinio Page 143 CHAP. XXVI.] AFFAIR AT KIRKS BLUFF, S. C. 143 that Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, with the effective force at his com- mand, could not, under the existing circumstances, have made a suc- cessful defense of the batteries; and, further, from the evidence the court is of the opinion that the evacuation of the batteries was posi- tively necessary for the safety of the men under his command, as an attempt to have held it against the greatly [superior] land force of the enemy would have inevitably resulted in the complete reduction of the batteries and the capture of the command. We therefore consider Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins wholly justifiable in the course he pur- sued in abandoning the batteries on the Saint Johns. WILLIAM D. MITCHELL, Lieut. Cot., Gorndg. Twenty-ninth Georgia, President of the Court. OCTOBER 18, 1862.Affair at Kirks Bluff, S. C. Report of Gol. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry. IIDQRS. U S. FORCES ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort Pulaski, Ga., October 19, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to state, for the information of the gen- eral commanding, that in compliance with his instructions I yesterday went np May River with steamer Planter, having on board one company Forty-eighth New York State ~7olunteers, Lieutenant Elfwing, and a detachment of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, Captain Gould, to Crowells plantation, for the purpose of meeting the scout who had been sent up to New Bridge. Owing to the head wind and adverse tide, and the fact that the steamer did not reach the fort the night before until long after midnight, I did not arrive at Crowells until 2.30 p. in. After taking the scout on board we started on our return, stopping for a few moments at Blnffton to secure a boat and to learn what we could as to the recent presence of the enemy there. We found indications that a compan.y of cavalry had been in the town during the day. On our way down, after leaving Blnifton, while l)ass- ing Kirks Bluff; where the channel is within half musket-range of the shore, a considerable force of the enemy, concealed in the dense thicket on the bluff, opened a musketry flu e upon the Planter. The fire was in- stantly returned by both infantry and artillery on board the steamer, and I judge effectively also, as we fired a number of rounds of shell with one-second fuses (which exploded directly among them) and of grape and canister. Meanwhile (as the boat, having been under full headway when the fir- ing first commenced, had passed beyond the bluff) I directed her to be put about, and running back took a favorable position and continued shelling the enemy, who were now retreating in great confusion, grad- ually increasing the fuses as the distance widened, until they were entirely out of range. By this time night had come on, and as the tide was falling I returned to this post. The enemys fire at times was very heavy, shots striking the steamer in almost every part, and two passing through and through her. It is very remarkable, considering the advan- tage the enemy possessed in being in a great measure concealed and above us and the exposure of our men, that not more injury was inflicted upon us.* It affords me pleasure to state all the troops on board the Planter, as * Nominal list shows 4 men wounded Page 144 144 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. xxvi. well as the officers and crew ~f the boat, behaved in the most commend- able manner during this little aftair. I have the honor to be, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth New York State Vols., Comdg. Post. Lient. Col. W. P. PRENTICE, A. A. G. and Chief of Staff. OCTOBER 2223, 1862.Skirmish at Coosawliatchie and engagements at the Caston and Frampton Plantations, near Pocotaligo, S. C. REPORTS, ETG.* No. l.Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 3.First Lieut. Edward J. Keenan, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves (Infantry), Acting Chief Signal Officer Department of the South. No. 4.Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 5.Col. Edward W. Serrell, First New York Engineers. No. 6.Lient. Col. James F. Hall, First New York Engineers. No. 7.Col. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. No. 8.Maj. Lorenzo Meeker, Sixth Connecticut Infantry. No. 9.Col. Louis Bell, Fourth New Hampshire Infantry. No. 10.Col. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 11.Col. Richard White, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 12.Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. No. 13.Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry. No. 14.Col. John H. Jackson, Third New Hampshire Infantry. No. 15.Col. Dc Witt C. Strawbridge, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 16.Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry. No. 17.Capt. Samuel C. Eaton, First New York Engineers. No. 18.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No. 19.Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces. No. 20.Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Milltary District of South Carolina. No. 21.Capt. W. W. Elliott, C. S. Army, Ordnance Officer, Third Military District of South Carolina. No. 22.Col. C. J. Colcock, C. S. Army, Third South Carolina Cavalry. No. 23.Col. Claudins C. Wilson, C. S. Army, Twenty-fifth Georgia InftLntry. No. 24. Licut. E. E. Jefferson, C. S. Army, Nelson Light Artillery, Yirginia. No. 1. Report of lIliaj. Gen. Ormsby Mi. 1JTitehel, U. S. Army, commanding Dc partm~nt of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Read, Port Royal, S. C., October 24, 1862. GENERAL: My third expedition to the main-laud returned last night. The expedition was designed to accomplish the following objects: * For reports of Commander Steedman and Lieutenant Pha~nix, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 1, 1862 Page 145 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCIHE, S. C., ETC. 145 First, to make a complete reconnaissance of the Broad River and its three tributaries, Coosawbatchie, T~lifilly, and Pocotaligo; second, to test practically the rapidity and safety with which a landing could be effi~cted; third, to learn the strength of the enemy on the main-land, now guarding the Charleston and Savannah Railroad; and, fourth, to accomplish the destruction of so much of the road as could be effected in one day. At this season of the year I did not deem it prndent to expose the troops upon the main-land for a longer period. The troops composing the expedition were t1~e following: Forty-sev- enth Pennsylvania, 600 men; Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania. 400 men; Fourth New Hampshire, 600 men; Seventh Connecticut, 500 men; Third New Hampshire, 480 men; Sixth Connecticut, 500 men; Third Rhode Island, 300 men; Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania, 430 men New York Mechanics and Engineers, 250 nien- Forty-eighth New York, 300 men; one sec- tion of H amiltons battei?y and 40 men; one section of the First Regi- ment Artillery, Company IXI, battery and 40 men, and the First Massa- chusetts Cavalry, 100 men. Making an entire force of 4,500 men. Every pains had beeii taken to secure as fir as possible success for the expedition. Scouts and spies had been sent to the main-land to all the most important points between the Savannah River railroad bridge and the bridge across the Salkehatchie. A small party was sent out to cut, if possible, the telegraph wires. Scouts had been sent in boats up the tributaries of the Broad Rivem All the landings had been ei~amiued, and the depth of water in the several rivers ascertained as far as prac1~cable. Two of our light-draught transports have been con- verted into formidable gunboats and are now heavily armed, to wit, The Planter and the George Washington. By my orders the New York Mechanics and Engineers, Colonel Serrell, had constructed two very large flat-boats, or scows, each capable of transporting half a battery of artillery, exclusive of the caissous, with the horses. They were provided with hinged aprons, to facilitate the landing not only of artillery but of troops from the transports. Owing to an acci(lent which occurred to the transport Cosmopolitan during the expedition to the Saint Johns River I found myself defi- cient in transportation, and applied to the commanding officer, Corn- modore Godon, of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, who l)romptly placed under my orders a) number of light-draught gunboats for the double purpose of I ransportatiori and military protection. On the evening of the 21st, under the command of Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, the gunboats and transports were arranged in the following order for sailing: The Paul Jones, Captain Steedman, without troops; the Ben De Ford, Conemaugh, Wissahickon, Boston, Patroon, Darling- ton, steam-tug Relief with schooner in tow; Marblehead, Vixen, Flora, Water Witch, George Washington, and Planter. The flat-boats, with artillery, were towed by the Ben IDe Ford and Boston. The best negro 1)ilOts which could be found were placed on the principal vessels, as well as signal officers, for the purpose of intercommunication. The night J)roved to be smoky and hazy, which produced borne confusion in the sailing of the vessels, as signal lights could not be seen by those most remote from the leading ship. The larger vessels, however, got under way about 12 oclock at night. After a careful examination of the map I ordered a landing to be effected at the month of the Pocotaligo River, at a place known as Mackays Point. This is really a narrow neck of land made by the Broad River and the Pocotaligo, in both of which rivers gunboats could lie and furnish a perfect protection for the debarkation and embar- 10 R RYOL xl Page 146 146 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL kation of the troops. There is a good country road leading from the Point to the old town of Pocotaligo, then entering a turnpike, which leads from the town of Coosawhatchie to the principal ferry. on the ~alkehatchie River. The distance to the railroa(L was only about 7 or 8 miles, thus rendering it l)ossible to effect a landing, cut the rail- road and telegraph wires, and return to the boats in the same day. I saw that it would be impossible for the troops to be attacked by the enemy either in flank or rear, as the two flanks were protected by the Pocotaligo River on the one hand and by the Broad and by the Tuli- finy, its tributary, QIL the other. Presuming that the enemy would make his principal defense at or near Pocotaligo, I directed that a detachment of the Forty eighth New York, under command of Colonel Barton, with the armed transport Planter, accompanied by one or two light-draught gunboats, should ascend the Coosawhatchie River, for the purpose of making a diversion; and, in case no considerable force of the enemy was met, to destroy the railroad at and near the town of Coosawhatchie. In addition to our land forces we were furnished by the Navy with several transports, armed with howitzers, three of which were landed with the artillery, and thus gave us a battery of seven pieces. All the troops were furnished with 100 rounds of ammunition. Two light am- bulances and one wagon, with its team, accompanied the expedition. I have no official report from Brigadier-General Brannan, the officer in command, but, having had an interview with Generals Brannan and Terry and with several regimental commanders, I am enabled to give you a general outline of the facts and of the results obtained. First, we have learned the navigation of the Broad River, and have also ascended the Pocotaligo and Coosawhatchie Rivers, so as to obtain a complete knowledge of these two streams; second, a landing was effected rapidly and in perfect safety, but, owing to the ignorance of our pilots one of the large transports ran aground not far from Mackays Point, which delayed the moving of the expedition three or four hours and gave the enemy Pill opportunity to make every disposition of his available troops for defensive purposes, and also to telegraph to Charles- ton and Savannah for re-enforcemnents; aimd, third, we encountered the enemy, as I anticipated, about 3 miles from Pocotaligo, and in two suc- cessive engagements drove him from his strong positions, and finally compelled his retreat across the Pocotaligo River, destroying the bridge behind him. The march and fight continued from about 1 oclock until between 5 and 6 oclock in the afternoon. The officers and troops behaved in the most gallant manner. One bayonet charge was made over cause- ways with the most determined courage and with veteran firmness. The advance was made with caution, but with persistent steadiness~ driving the enemy over a distance of more than 3 miles, and finally compelling him to seek safety by crossing the Pocotaligo River and the destruction of its bridge. The fight was continued on the banks of the Pocotaligo, but the Qoming on of night and the exhaustion of our am- munition, as well as the impossibility of crossing the river, rendered it necessary for the troops to return to their boats. This was done in perfect order and with great deliberation. It was impossible for the enenmy to harass our troops, as they were on the opposite side of the river and the bridge was destroyed. So far as I know all the dead aiid wounded were brought off. Nothing whatever fell into the hands of the enemy, while they were compelled to abandon two of their caissons, with am mu unition, whic Page 147 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 147 was returned to them (the ammunition) on the banks of the Pocotaligo from our naval howitzers. While these events were in progress the detachment under the com- mand of Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, ascended the Coosawhatchie River to within 1~ miles of the village. A landing was effected, and the troops of Colonel Barton, accompanied by a detachment of Engineers and Mechanics, marched upon the Village. When within about 100 yards of the railroad a train of eight or ten cars came up at high speed, and was received by a volley from our infantry and a discharge from one of the naval howitzers. As the troops weie mostly upon platform cars, and very much crowded, this fire must have been very destructive. The engineer was killed, but the train was stopped in the village, and these troops were added to those alread~sr guarding the bridge, and this force made it necessary to draw oft the Engineers, who were engaged in tearing up the track, having taken with them the tools required for this purpose, and the entire detachment fell back, under the protection of the armed transport and the gunboat. The enemy pursued, supposing the Planter to be an unarmed transport, but her heavy guns soon drove them back in disorder, and Colonel Bar- ton, having determined, in his dash upon the village, the position of the bridge and of the depot, shelled them both with his 30-pounder Parrotts for nearly two hours during the afternoon. Before dark he returned to Mackay~s Point, with no loss except the wounding of Lieu- tenant Blanding, of the Third Rhode Island, whose arm was shattered and his side pierced by a Minie ball. 1 regret to say that the main body, under the command of Brigadier- General Brannan, suffered severely in killed and wounded in the three fights, which constituted almost one continuous battle during the entire afternoon. I desire to acknowledge the deep obligations I am under to Commo- dore Godon, as well as to Captain Steedman and the other officers and sailors of the Navy, who accompanied the expedition, and to the officers and soldiers composing the expedition, who fought with distinguished gallantry and with signal success, and have earned the thanks of the Government and of the country. I inclose a list of casualties, which I think is nearly complete, and from which it appears that our loss amounts to about 50 killed and 300 wounded.* The loss of the enemy it was of course impossible for us to ascertain. A few prisoners have fallen into our hands, and we have every reason to believe that the enemy suffered severely. The greatest activity prevailed on the railroad, and trains of cars with troops appear to have been sent from both Charleston and Sa- vannah. I have planned three other expeditions, but am so deficient in troops that I am compelled to recruit my forces after each expedition. and this delay is disastrous. I most earnestly beg for re-enforcements, that our blows may fall with far greater rapidity, and thus secure more per- fect success. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 0. M. MITCHEL Major- Guneral, Gornrnanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. IIALLRCK, General-in-Chief Wa8hington, D. C. But sec revised statement, p. 148 Page 148 148 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI No. 2. Return of Casualties in the Union forces in the skirmish at Coosawhatchie and engagements at the Gaston and Frampton Plantations, near Poco- taligo, 5. C., October 22, 1862. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. I Wounded. Captured or missing. 6 Command. ii Q Remarks. S S H a W ii a ~ a ,~ a a a a 0 -~ H ~ H 0 ~ 0~0 6th Connecticut 5 4 25 34 7th Connecticut 2 27 29 1st Massachusetts Cay 2 .. . .. 2 dry (detachment). I 3d New Hampshire 3 3 4th New Hampshire 2 25 27 47th Pennsylvania 1 17 3 91 :::~.K:::. 112 Capt. Charles Mickley killed; Capt. George Junker died of wounds October 23. 55th Pennsylvania 1 3 25 - - - 1 30 Capt. Horace C.Bennett killed. ~6th Pennsylvania 2 10 2 64 1 79 Capts. Arthur Hamilton and 14 Rhode Island Heavy 1 2 Henry Wayne killed. Artillery (detach- ment). 1st U. S. Artillery, Bat 1 9 10 tery M (detach- ment). 3d U. S. Artillery, Bat 1 1 8 1 11 tery E (4etacli- ment). 4 39 13 281 8 340 No. 3. Report of First Licut. Edward J. Keenan, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves (In~fantry), Acting Chief Signal Officer Department of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October , 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that oP the 18th instant I was informed by Major-General Mitchel comm South, that an expedition was anding Department of the being prepared to undertake offensive operations upon the main-land of South Carolina, and was directed to have a sufficient nnmber of signal officers prepared to accompany it. On the 20th instant, after another consultation with General Mitchel, I made the following assignments of signal officers and directed them to -eport accordingly: First Lieut. G. II. Hill to report on board steamer Ben De Ford to General Brannan. First Lieut. J. ZR. Findley to report on board gnnboat Water Witch. Second Licut. F. B. Town to report on board gunboat Paul Jones. Second Lient. T. L. Hatfield to report on board gunboat Marblehead. Second Lient. W. H. Hamner to report on board gunboat Cone- maugh. Second Lieut. T. C. Vidal to rel)ort ~n board steamer Planter. - ~coiid Lietit. C, F. Cress to report on board steamer Boston Page 149 (hIAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHW, S. 0., hTC. 149 At midnight of the 21st instant the expedition got under way and proceeded up Broad and Coosawliatchie Rivers. At daylight on the morning of 22d the vessels anchored in the Coosawbatchie River, off the mouth of Pocotaligo, and the troops were ordered to disembark, which having been accomplished, they were pushed forward toward the railroad running between Charleston and Savannah, without, until they had marched 6 miles, encountering any opposition here, I~owever, the enemy made a stand; fire was opened by our artillery and briskly replied to by that of the enemy, who were posted iu a thick wood. After an en- gagement of nearly an hour the enemy fell back to the north side of the creek, destroying the bridge in their retreat. Here they made another stand at a place called Frampton, but after a resistance of about two hours retreated to the east side of Pocotaligo, 10 miles from where our forces had landed, destroying also this bridge. At this point they had prepared rifle pits and were heavily re-enforced, and the engagement was renewed with great energy upon both sides. Night coming on Our troops were ordered to retire, reaching the landing at the mouth of the Pocotaligo at about 4 oclock on the morning of the 23d. The nature of the ground, thickly wooded, prevented any use of signals in the bat- tles, but they were extensively and with much advantage used in the debarkation and embarkation of the troops and while on the way be- tween the gunboats. Lieutenants Hill and Cross accompanied the col- umn upon shore, the former in the action acting as aide to Brigadier- General Brannan, who acknowledges Lieutenant Hills services in his official report; the latter to Brigadier-General Terry. Lieutenant Vidal accompanied Col. W. B. Barton, with the Forty-eighth Regi- ment New York Volunteers and a detachment of the Third Rhode isl- and Artillery, up the Coosawhatchie on board the Planter, and when that force landed accompanied it on shore. Near the railroad they were met and fired upon by a heavy force of the enemy, when they fell back and embarked again upon the Planter. The other signal officers re- mained under orders upon the gunboats. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 419.* Lients. G. H. Hill and J. R. Findley, acting sig- nal officers, have received communications from the commanding officers of their respective regiments informing them that their names have been presented to the Governor of Penasyft-ania for promotion to cap- taincies, their former captains having both been killed in the engage- ment; they have made application to be relieved from signal duty. By the death of Major-General Mitchel, Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan is now in command of this department. By his direction I have placed a signal officer, Lieut. Paul Brodie, upon the fiag.ship Wabash for the l)11PP05e of facilitating communication between Admiral DuPont and General Brannan. By Special Orders, No. 345, Private Charles D. Chamberlain, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was relieved from signal duty and has rejoined his company, and Private William Morford, of Corn- pany G, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, has been detailed in his stead. Lieut. T. P. Rushby is in general hospital, and Lient. Gus- tavus IDana has been assigned to duty at Kane Island. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. J. KEENAN, - 1st Lieut., 11th P. R. (1., and Actg. Chief Signal Officer D. S. Maj. A. J. MYER, -~ Signal Officer, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0. * But see revised statement, p. 148 Page 150 1~0 COASTS OF 5. 0., GA., AND MID. AND EAST ELk. (CHAP. XXVI. No. 4. Reports of Brig. Gen. John ilL Brctnnan, U. AS. Army, commanding expe dition. HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, U. S. Transport Ben De Ford, October 24, 1862. COLONEL: In accordance with instructions received from Headquar- ters Departm~nt of the. South, I assumed command of the following forces, ordered to destroy the railroad and railroad bridges on the Charleston and Savannah line: A portion of the First Brigade (Brannans), Col. J. L. Chatfield, Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, commanding, effective strength 2,000; a portion of Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. A. II. Terry commanding, effect- ive strength 1,410; detachment of Third Regiment Rhode Island Vol- nnteers, Colonel Brown commanding, effective strength 300; detach- ment of Forty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, Colonel Barton commanding, effective strength 300; detachment of First Massa- chusetts Cavalry, Capt. L. Richmond commanding, effective strength 108; section of First U. S. Artillery, Lient. G. V. Henry commanding, effective strength 40; section of Third U. S. Artillery, Lieut. E - Git- tings commanding, effective strength 40; detachment of New York Volunteer Engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hall commanding, effective strength 250. Total effective strength, 4,448 men. With this command I left Hilton Head, S. C., on the evening of October 21, and, proceeding up Broad River, arrived off Pocotaligo Creek at 4.30 a. m with the transport Ben Dc Ford and the gunboat Paul Jones. Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, 50 men of the Volunteer Engineer Corps, and 50 men of the Third Rhode Island Volunteers, in accordance with my order, delivered early that morning, proceeded direct to the Coosawhatchie River, to destroy the railroad and railroad bridges in that vicinity. The other gunboats and transports did not all arrive until abont~ a. in. on October 22. 1 immediately effected a landing of my artillery aud infantry at Mackay~s Point, at the junction of Pocotaligo and Tulifiny Rivers. I advanced withont delay iu the direction of Pocotaligo Bridge, sending back the transports Flora and Darlington to Port Royal Island for the cavalry, the First Brigade being in advance, with a sec- tion from the First U. S. Artillery, followed by the Second Brigade, with Colonel Browns command, the section of the Third U. S. Artillery and three boat howitzers, which Captain Steedman, commanding the naval forces, kindly furnished for this occasion, and a detachment of 45 men from the Third Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery, under Captain Corn- stock, of that regiment. On advancing about 5~ miles and debouching upon an open rolling country the rebels opened upon us with a field battery from a position on the plantation known as Castons. I immediately caused the First Brigade to deploy, and, bringing my artillery to the front, drove the rebels from this position. They, however, destroyed all small bridges in the vicinity, causing much delay in my advance. These, with the aid of the Engineer Corps, were reconstructed as we advanced, and I followed up the retreat of the rebels with all the haste practicable. I had advanced about l~ miles farther, when a battery again opened on us from a position on the plantation called Frampton. The rebels here had every advantage of ground, being ensconced in a wood, with a dee Page 151 t~HAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. CX, flTC. 151 swamp in front, passable only by a narrow causeway, on which the bridge had been destroyed, while, on our side of the swamp and along the entire front and flanks of the enemy (extending to the swamps), was an impervious thicket, intersected by a deep water-ditch, and passable only by a narrow road. Into this wood the rebels threw a most terrifli~ fire of grape, shot, shell, canister, and musket balls, killing and wound- ing great numbers of my command. Here the ammunition for the field pieces fell short, and, though the infantry acted with great courage and determination, they were twice driven out of the woods with great slaughter by the overwhelming fire of the enemy, whose missiles tore through the woods like hail. I had warmly responded to this fire with the sections of First and Third U. S. Artillery and the boat howitzers until, finding my ammunition about to fail, and seeing that any flank movement was impossible, I pressed the First Brigade forward through the thicket to the verge of the swamp, and sent the section of First U. S. Artillery, well supported, to the causeway of the wood on the farther side, leaving the Second Brigade, with Colonel Browns command, the section of Third U. S. Artillery, and the boat howitzers as a line of de- fense in my rear. The effect of this bold movement was immediately evident in the precipitate retreat of the rebels, who disappeared in the woods with amazing rapidity. The infantry of the First Brigade im- mediately plunged through the swamp (parts of which were nearly up to their arm-pits) and started in pursuit. Some delay was caused by the bridge having been destroyed, impeding the passa~e of the artillery. This difficulty was overcome, and with my full force I pressed forward on the retreating rebels. At this point (apprehending, from the facility which the rebels possessed of heading Pocotaligo Creek, that they would atteLnl)t to turn my left flank) I sent an infantry regiment, with a boat howitzer, to my left, to strike the Coosawhatchie road. The position which I had found proved, as I had supposed, to be one of great natural advantage to the rebels, the ground being higher on that side of the swamp, and having a firm, open field for the working of their artillery, which latter they formed iii a half circle, throwing a concentrate(l fire on the entrance to the wood we had first passed. The rebels left in their retreat a caisson full of ammunition, which latter, fortunately, fitting the boat howitzers, enabled us, at a later period of the day, to keep up our fire when all other ammunition had failed. Still pursuing the flying rebels, I arrived at that point where the Coosawhatchie road (joining that from Mackays Landing) runs through a swamp to Pocotaligo Bridge. Here the rebels opened a murderous fire upon us from batteries of siege guns and field pieces on the farther side of the creek. Our skirmishers, however, advanced boldly to the edge of the swamp, and, from what cover they could obtain, did con- siderable execution among the enemy. The rebels, as I had antici- pated, attempted a flank movement on our left, but for some reason abandoned it. The ammunition of the artillery here entirely failed, owing to the caissons not having been brought on, for the want of transportation from Port Royal, and the pieces had to be sent back to Mackays Point, a distance of 10 miles, to renew it. - The bridge across the Pocotaligo was destroyed, and the rebels from behind their earthworks continued on the only approach to it, through the swamp. Night was now closing fast, and seeing the utter hope- lessimess of attempting anything further against the force which the enemy had concentrated at this point from Savannah and Charleston, with an army of much inferior force, unprovided with ammunition, an Page 152 152 COASTS OF S. C, GA., AM) MID. AND EAST PLA. [CHAP. XXvI. not having even sufficient transportation to remove the wounded, who were lying writhing along our entire route, I deemed it expedient to retire to MackaysPoint, which I did in successive lines of defenses, burying my dead and carryitig our wounded with us on such stretchers as we co~ild manuh~cture from branches of trees, blankets, & c., and receiving no molestation from the rebels, embarked and returned to Hilton Head on the 23d instant. Facts tend to show that the rebels were perfectly acquainted with all our plans, as they had evidently studied our purpose with care, and had two lines of defense, Caston and Frampton, before falling back on Pocotaligo, where, aided by their field works and favored by the nature of the ground and the facility of concentrating troops, they evidently purposed making a determined stand; and indeed the accounts gath- ered from prisoners leave no doubt but that the rebels had very accu- rate information of our movements. I greatly felt the want of the cavalry, which, in consequence of the transports having grounded in the Broad River, did not arrive till nearly 4 p. in., and which in the early part of th~ day would perhaps have captured some field pieces in the open country we were then in, aiid would at all events have prevented the destruction of the bridge in the rear of the rebels. Great praise is due to the brigade and regi- mental commanders for their calm and determined courage during the entire day and for the able manner in which ihey handled their several commands. Colonel Barton, Forty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, as will be seen from the accompanying copy of his report, partially effected the object of his movement on Coosawhatchie; but, meeting with too strong a force of the rebels, was obliged to re-embark. I desire to call the attention of the major-general commanding the del)artment to the gallant and distinguished conduct of First Lient. Guy V. Henry, First U. S. Artillery, commanding a section of light artillery. His pieces were served admirably throughout the entire en- gagement. He had two horses shot. The section of Third U. S. Artil- lery, commanded by First Lieut. E. Gittings, was also well served. He being wounded in the latter part of the day, his section was com- manded by Lieutenant Henry. The three boat howitzers furnished by Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding the naval forces, were served well, and the officers com- manding them, with the crews, as also the detachment of the Third Rhode island Volunteers, deserve great credit for their coolness, skill, and gallantry. The officers commanding these guns are as follows: Lient. Lloyd Phmnix and Ensigns James Wallace, La Rue P. Adams, and Frederick Pearson. The conduct of my entire staffCapt. Louis J. Lambert, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. 1. Coryell, assistant quartermaster, and Lieuts. Ira V. Germain and George W. Bacon, aides -dc-campgave me great pleasure and satisfaction. My orders ware transmitted by them in the hottest of the battle with great rapidity and correctness. To Col. E. W. Serrell, New York Volunteer Engineers, who acted as an addi- tional aide-dc-camp, I am much indebted. His energy, perfect coolness, and bravery were a source of gratification to me. Orders from me were executed by him in a very satisfactory manner. Lieut G. H. fill, signal officer, performed his duties with great promptness. He acted~ also as additional aide-dc-camp, and gave me much assistance in car- ryi ng my orders during the entire day. Col. T. H. Good, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel Chatfield being wounded early in the day), commanded the First Brigade during the latte Page 153 OHAP. XXVI.] $LC[RMISII AT COOSAW[IATCHW, S. C, ETC. 153 part of the engagement with much ability. Nothing could be more satisfactory than the promptness and skill with which the wounded were attended to by Siirg. E. W. Bailey, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, medical director, and the entire medical staff of the corn- inand. The troops of the command behaved with great gallantry, advancing against a remarkably heavy fire of musketry, canister, grape, round shot, and shell, driving the enemy before them with much determina- tion. I was perfectly satisfied with their conduct. It affords me much pleasure again to report the perfect cordiality existing between the two branches of the service, and I was much in- debted to Capt. Charles Steedman, U. S. Navy, for his valuable aid and assistance in disembarking and re-embarking the troops; also in send- ing launches, with howitzers, to prevent an attack on our pickets while we were embarking to return to Hilton Head. The fitting out of the expedition, as relates to its organization. sup- plies, transportation, and ammunition, was done entirely by the major- general commanding the dep~rtment, who at first l)urposed to com- mand it. I was not assigned to t~e command till a few hours previous to the sailing of the expedition from Hilton Head. The reports of the brigade and 01 her commanders, together with a list of the officers and men who rendered themselves personally worthy of notice during the engagement, I will forward as soon as received. I have the honor to be, colonel, most respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, J. M. BRANNAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. W P. PRENTJc1E~ Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., November 6, 1862. GENERAL: I herewith transmit the reports of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry and Col. T. H. Good, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who commanded brigades during, the late expedition, under my command, to Pocotaligo, S. C., and would beg respectfully to bring them to the favorable notice of the department for their gal- lant and meritorious conduct during the engagement of October 22; as also Col. J. L. Chatfield, Sixth Itegimnent Connecticut Volunteers, who commanded the First Brigade until severely wounded, in the early part of the engagement, while gallantly leading it to the charge. Great praise is also due to General Terry for his care and unremitting exer- tions during the night of the 22d in superintending the removal of the wounded to the transports. I also forward the report of Col. E. W. Serrell, First New York Vol- unteer Engineers, chief engineer of the department, of the part taken by their several commands. Accompanying General Terrys report is the report of the success of Licat. S. M. Smith, Third Iiegimmient Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery,* who was sent up before daylight on the 22d to Cuthberts Island, on the Pocotaligo Creek, to cai)tnre the rebel pickets there stationed. In addition to thQse officers mentioned in my report of the expedi- tion I have great pleasure, on the recommendation of their respective General Terrys reports say Third New Hampshire Volunteers Page 154 154 COASTS OF S. C., CA., AND MID. ANP EAST FLA. (CHAP. XX~t. commanders, in bringing to the favorable consideration of the depart- ment the following officers and men, who rendered themselves specially worthy of notice by their bravery and praiseworthy conduct during the entire expedition and the engagements atten(liflg it: First Lient. E. Gitting~, wounded, lieutenant Company B, Third U. S. Artillery, com- manding section, who served his pieces with great coolness and judg- ment under the heavy fire of a rebel battery; Lieut. Col. G. W. Alex- ander, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Maj. J. II. Filler, Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Capt. Theodore Bacon, Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general Second Brigade; First Lient. Adrian Terry, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and Second Lieut. Martin S. James, Third Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery, staff of Brigadier-General Terry; Capt. J. P. Shindel Gobiri, Company C, FQrty-seventh Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteers~ C K, Forty-seventh Regiment , apt. George Junker, killed, Company Pennsylvania Volunteers; Ca l)tain Mickley, killed. Company G, Forty-seventh Regin~ent Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Lient. W. H. R. ilangen, adjutajft, wounded, Forty-seventh Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Lieutenant Minnich, Company B, Forty-seventh RegimeLt Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Lient. W. W. Geety, severely wounded, corn manding Company II, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers; Second Lieutenant Bveueman, Company II, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Private Michael Larkins, wounded,~ Company C, Forty-seventh Regimen t Pennsylvania Volunteers; Captamn Bennett, Comnpany B, Fifty-fifth Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers~ Fi A, Fifty-fifth , rst Lient. D. W. Fox, commanding Company Iflegiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Lieutenant Metzger, adjutant Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Sergt. H. W. Fox, Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol. unteers; Private Peter MeGnire, Company A, Fifty-fifth Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers; Licut. S. S. Stevens, Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general First Brigade- Corn sary Sergt William H. Johnson, Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volun- teers; Sergeant [Charles H.] Grogan, Private G. Platt, and Private A. B. Beers, Cornpai~y I, Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers; Private R. Wilson, Company I), Sixth Connecticut Volunteers; First Lient. Edward S. Perry and Private William Crabbe, Company H, Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers; Artificer Patrick Walsh, Company B, First U. S. Artillery; Sergt. Michael Mannon, Light Company E, Third U. S. Artillery; Sergt. N. M. Edwards, First New York Volun- teer Engineers, and Sergts. Henry Mehies Li First New York Volunteer Engineers. onel Amiyan, and Fisher, I would also mnention that I am much indebted to Mr. Cooley, sutler of the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers, for his care and attention to the wounded and his exertions in carrying them off the field and placing them on the transports. I inclose a complete and accurate list* of the killed, wounded, and missing during the entire expedition, giving their names, rank, com- panies, and regiments, with a description of the nature of their wounds. I have the honor to be, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. BRANNAN Brigadier- General, Commanding Department. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. 4Emhodied in revised statement, p. 148 Page 155 CHAP. XXVI.] S1CI1~MISII AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. lti5 No.5. Reports of Cot. Edward W. Serrell, First New York Engineers. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Broad River, S. 0., October 22, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the gen- eral commanding the forces, that, agreeably to the orders of the major- general commanding the department, I reported to Brigadier-General Brannan this morning at 8 oclock with 250 enlisted men of the Volun- teer Engineers and 15 officers, constituting the engineer force. Fifty- four men and two officers were assigned to duty with Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and furnished with tools and the proper appliances for destroying railroad~ structures. This detachment was placed under the orders of Capt. Samuel C. Eaton, of the Volunteer Engineers, and has not yet been heard from. The re- maining forces of the Engineers were placed under the immediate orders of Lient. Col. James F. Hall, of the Volunteer Engineers. I was assigned to duty on the commanding generals staff. The line of march was from Mackay~s Point, on Broad River, on the direct road toward Old Pocotaligo. The general direction is about north from the Point, and the road is on the right bank of the Poco- taligo River, and begins at the confluence of the Pocotaligo and Broad Rivers, and lies from one to three-quarters of a mile from this stream. The country through which the road runs is a rolling sandy plain, except at two points, where it crosses marshes and small streams, the first of which is about 5~ miles from the Point, and is on Castons plantation; the second is about 6~ miles,~ and the plantation is called Frampton. At both of these points serious engagements took place with the rebels. The Engineer troops were engaged from about 10 oclock until after sunset in making and repairing several small bridges and keeping the road in order. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall reports Sergt. N. M. Edwards, acting lieu- tenant, as especially worthy of notice for his efforts in repairing the bridge at Frampton nuder heavy fire and for his general efficiency. The point reached by the troops was within a few yards of the road bridge over the Pocotaligo, on the road leading from Old Pocotaligo to Coosawhatchie. This bridge was destroyed by the rebels as they rc- treated over it into their earthworks on the easterly side. Timber for the purpose of rebuilding this bridge was prepared by the Engineers, and was ready to be l)ut together when the retreat was ordered. This point is within about il~ miles of the Charkston and Savannah Rail- road. Officers in the advance report having seen the cars passing. A small lunette, that had been abandoned, was observed on the southerly side of the marsh on the high ground near Castons. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, EDWARD W. SERRELL, Gol. of Vol. Engineers, and Chief Engineer Dept. of the South. Capt. LouIs J. LAMBERT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Forces, Brood River, S. C. OCTOBER 23, 1862. I cannot too highly compliment Lieutenant-Colonel Hall for his zeal and efficiency in caring for the wounded of the whole army during the night Page 156 156 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. NXVI. Captain Eaton has just reported that the detachment commanded by him, under the orders of Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth ~ew York Volunteers, destroyed a portion of the railroad at Coosawhatchie, and covered the return of the Forty-eighth New York by tearing up and destroying the bridge on the road back. Your obedient servant, EDWARD W. SEBRELL, Colonel Volunteer Engineers. Capt. Louis J. LAMBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 6. Reports of Lieut. Gol. James F. Hail, First New York Engineers. NEW YORK REGIMENT VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS, Hilton Head, S. C., October 23, 1862. COLONEL: I have the boner to report to General Terry concet ning the part taken by the battalion under my command in the late fight at Pocotaligo, a copy of which has been forwarded to your headquarters. lIt addition to this report I would respectfully call your attention to the inclosed letter from Acting Adjutant Dairymple and my indorse- inent thereon.* Lieutenant Dairymples services were most valuable, an(l he has proved himself worthy of the advancement he has received. It would perhaps be unjust to others to speak of any officer in par- ticular where all did their duty so well. in addition to the duties in the field I would call your attention to the voluntary labors in caring for the wounded. This duty was per- formed almost entirely by the men of our regiment. Sergeant Colliiis, of Company A, had the immediate charge of the men, and was untir- ing in his labors until the last wounded man was cared for. This work was (lone in an orderly and proper manner. I know that many a blessing has been asked for the Engineers, who, notwithstanding the extreme fatigue of the day, gave the whole night to assisting their wounded fellow-soldiers. In this labor Acting Adju- tant Dalrymple was ever present and most efficient. lam, vcry respectfully, your obedient servant,F. HALL, E. W. SERRELL, Lieutenant- Colonel. Colonel of Volunteer Engineers. NEW YORK REGIMENT VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS, flilton Head, S. C., October 24, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the safe arrival of the bat- talion under my command. The missing man was found in the detachment under command of Captain Eaton. One man was slightly hurt by splinters, not, however, unfitting him for duty. I ~rould respectfully report that my battalion repaired the roads, *Not found. Page 157 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHLE, S. C., ETC. 157 bridges, & c., and pressed forward with all the dispatch that was pos- sible with the engineering tools and implements, which, in addition to their arms and equipments, had to be carried by the men. The bridges at the several points where they had been destroyed by the enemy were rebuilt and made passable. The putting down of the bridge at Framptons plantation by Actg. Lieut. N. M. Edwards was done under heavy fire. By direction of Colonel Serrehl, chief engineer, I prepared materials for rebuilding the Pocotaligo Bridge, the preparations for which were complete. I have to report that the officers and men did their duty well, and after the arrival in camp they assisted during the entire night in caring for the dead and wounded. The necessity of leaving detachments at varions points for road re- pairs necessarily kept onr force separated but both in the advance and retreat these detachments rapidly closed up to the main l~dy. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES F. HALL Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Battalion of N. Y. Vol. Engineers. Brigadier-General TERRY. No. 7. Report of Gol. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FORTY-5,EVENTH IREGT. PA. VOLS., Beaufort, ~. C., October 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the battles of October 22: After meeting the enemy in his flrst~ositiou he was driven back by the skirmishing line, consisting of two companies of the Sixth Connect- icut, one of the Fortyseventh Pennsylvania, a~d one of the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania, under my command. Here the enemy only fired a few rounds of shot and shell. He then retreated and assumed another position, and immediately opened fire. Colonel Chatfield, then in com- mand of the brigade, ordered the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania forward to me, with ordei-s to charge. I immediately charged and drove the enemy from the second position. The Sixth Connecticut was deployed in my rear aud left; the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania on my right, and the Fourth New Hampshire in the rear of the Fifty-fifth, both in close col- umn by divisions, all nuder a heavy fire of shell and canister. These regiments then crossed the causeway by the flank and moved close up to the woods. Here they were halted, with orders to snpport the artil- lery. After the enemy had ceased firing the Fourth New Hampshire was ordered to move up the road in the rear of the artillery and two companies of the Forty-seventh Pennsylva~iia to follow this regiment. The Sixth Connecticut followed up, and the Fifty-fifth moved up through the woods. At this juncture Colonel Chattield fell, seriously wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Speidel was also wounded. The casualties in the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania amonnted to 96 men. As yet I am unable to learn the loss of the entire brigade. The enemy having fled, the Fourth New Hampshire and the Fifty- fifth Pennsylvania followed in close pursuit. IDuring this time th Page 158 158 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. Forty-seventh Pennsylvania and the Sixth Connecticut halted and again organized, after which they followed. On coming up to the en- gagement I assumed command of the brigade, and found the forces arranged in the following order: The Fourth New Hampshire was de. ployed as skirmishers along the entire front, and the Fifty-fifth deployed in line of battle on the left side of the road, immediately in the rear of the Fourth New Hampshire. I then ordered the Sixth Connecticut to deploy in the rear of the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania and the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania to deploy on the right side of the road in line of battle and relieve the Seventh Connecticut. I then ordered the Fourth New Hampshire, which had spent all its ammunition, back under cover on the road in the woods. The enemy meantime kept up a terrific fire of grape and musketry, to which we replied with terrible effect. At this point the orders were given to retire, and the Forty-seventh Pennsyl- vania and Seventh Connecticut formed the rear guard. 1 then ordered the Thrty-seventh Pennsylvania to keep its position and the Sixth Connecticut to march by the flank into the road and to the rear, the Fourth New Hampshire and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania to follow. The troops of the Second Brigade were meanwhile retiring. After the whole column was in motion and a line of battle established by the Seventh Connecticut about 1,000 yards in the rear of the Forty-seventh Penn- sylvania I ordered the Forty-seventh t~ retire by the flank and estab- ]ish a line of battle 1,000 yards in the rear of the Seventh Connecticut; after which the Seventh Connecticut moved by the flank to the rear and established a line of battle 1,000 yards in the rear of the Forty- seventh, and thus retiring, alternately establishing lines, until we reached Frampton Creek, where we were relieved from this duty by the Fourth New Hampshire. We arrived at the landing at 3 oclock on the morning of the 23d instant. The casualties of the Sixth 4Z~bnnecticut are 34 in killed and wounded and the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania 112 in killed and wounded. As to the remaining regiments I have as yet received no report. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. II. GOOD, Colonel Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Commanding. Captain LAMEERT, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 8. Report of Maj. Lorenzo Meeker, iS1ixth Connecticut Infantry. HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, Beaufort, ~. C., October 24, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with pre- vious orders, the Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, about 450 strong, embarked from Beaufort at 1.30 p. m. October 21 and pro- ceeded to Mackays Point, where a landing was effected early on the morning of October 22, ai~d the regiment placed under the command of Lient. Col. John Speidel, Colonel Chatfield being assigned to the com- mand of the brigade. We marched several miles into the interior, with Companies D and H in advance as skirmishers, until the enemy were met and the first engagement commenced. The regiment, withiu a few minutes of the opening of the battle, wa Page 159 ChAP. XXVII SKIRMISh AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 159 ordered to the front on the left of the line, and SOOII after deployed, and advanced in line of battle into the woods to support a skirmishing party, where we were met by a terrific shower of shell, grape, and can- ister. The greatest portion of the casnalties sustained by the regiment throughout the day was occasioned here. At this I)oint Coloiiel Chat- field was severely wounded, and almost at the same moment Lieutenant- Colonel Speidel, while bravely leading the regiment forward, was also severely wounded, and consequently obliged to retire from time field. The regiment, shortly before the enemy abandoned his position, was ordered to move back and reformed in line of battle in the cotton field to the rear, when it again moved forward with the column to the front. On reaching the second battle round we were ordered into line in the woods to support the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and remained in this position until the order was given to the command to retire, when we gradually fell back in line until withdrawn. The casualties sustained were 5 enlisted men killed, 4 commissioned officers wounded, and 25 enlisted men wounded, several mortally. All, both officers and men, performed their duty coolly, faithfully, and bravely, with scarcely an exception, and where all did so well it were iImvi(liOuS to mention individual instances. The whole strength of the regiment was not engaged, owing to a portion being on picket duty on Ladies Island and at Capers planta- tion, Port Royal Island, alIm(l not relieved in season to embark on the expedition. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LORENZO MEEKER, Major, Commanding Regiment. Col. T. II. GooD, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Voluitteers, Comdg. Brigade. No. 9. Report of Col. Louis Bell, Fourth New Hampshire Infantry. CAMP OF FOURTH NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLrNTEERS, October 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit a report of the part taken by the Fonrth New Hampshire Volunteers in the action of the 22d: On coming under fire I was ordered to form close column by divis- ion, which I did, and the regiment remained in close column for some fifteen minutes, exposed to a very annoying fire of sphQrical-case shot. We then deployed on the left of the Forty-seveimth Pennsylvania Regi- ment. The enemy having been driven from his first position, I was ordered to form column by company in the wood on the right of the causeway and be ready to charge. The wood proved so thick that we could not move in it, and the ground in front being utterly impassable I deployed my regiment on the edge of the woods. At about 2 6~clock I received an order to drive the enemy from the position he then occupied. I deployed five companies on the left of the road and four on the right and advanced in line of battle. After sharp firing on the left for a few minutes the enemy retired. Finding the grOlln(l impassable in front, I moved across the causeway by the flank. Three companies l)assed and formed in line on the solid ground Page 160 160 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND FAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. while the fourth corn pany (G) was ordered to halt and repair the bridge (which the enemy had partially destroyed), so that it should be passa ble for artillery. The artillery having passed over I deployed the whole regiment as skirmishers, and we acted as the support of the artillery from this l)lace to the place where the artillery finally halted. After firing s skirmishers for a few minutes at the most advanced post oc- cupied by the forces we were relieved by some other regiment, and I sent orders to have the regiment reformed in line. At this time I ~vas temporarily disabled. Lieutenant-Colonel Sleeper in oved the regiment to the front on the left of the Sixth Connecticut Regiment, where it remained for some half an hour, when Lieutenant-Colonel Sleeper was ordered to move the regiment into the road, where it remained a few minutes and was again ordered into the wood at the left. At about 5 oclcck Lieutenant-Colonel Sleeper received the order to retire. I rejoined and resumed command of the regiment at the cause- way. My regiment passed the causeway and took up a position in the wood on the right. Being ordered to act as rear guard, we moved (after the other troops had passed) to the ground used as a hospital. I caused all the scattered arms and accouterments to be collected as we retired and all other property I destroyed. Owing to the large number of wounded in front onr march was very slow. Before we reached the shore more than half of my regiment were at work conveying the wounded. I cannot refrain from mention- ing that in many instances we found wounded mcii by the road-side with only one or two men with them, the rest of the men detailed to carry them having deserted them. No wounded man was left behind. My regiment arrived in camp at 4 oclock in the morning. I am prond to be able to say that I had no stragglers from my regi. mnent and that no officer or soldier flinched. I have the honor to inclose a list* of the killed and wounded in the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, and also a list of arms and accouter. ments left on the field and now in our possession. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, LOUIS BELL, Colonel Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. Capt. Louis J. LAMBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 10. Report of Col. Tilghman H. Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Beaufort, S. C., October 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by time Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the action of October 22: Eight companies, comprising 480 men, embarked on the steamship Ben Dc Ford, and two companies, of 120 men, on the Marblehead, at 2 p. in. October 21. With this force I arrived at Mackays Landing be- fore daylight the following morning. At daylight I was ordered to dis- Embodied in revised statement, p. 148 Page 161 OHAP. XXVI] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCIIIE, S. C., ETC. i~t embark my regiment and move forward across the first causeway and take a position, and there await the arrival of the other forces. The two companies of my regiment on board of the Marblehead had not yet arrived, consequently I had but eight companies of my regiment with me at this juncture. At 12 m. I was ordered to take the advance with four companies, one of the Forty-seventh and one of the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and two of the Sixth Connecticut, and to deploy two of them as skir- mishers and move forward. After moving forward about 2 miles I dis- cerned some 30 or 40 of the enemys cavalry ahead, but they fled as we advanced. About 2 miles farther on I discovered two pieces of artillery and some cavalry, occupying a position about three-quarters of a mile ahead in the road. I immediately called for a regiment, but seeing that the position was not a strong one I made a charge with the skir- mishing line. The enemy, after firing a few rounds of shell, fled. I followed up as rapidly as possible to within about 1 mile of Frampton Creek. In front of this stream is a strip of woods about 500 yards wide, and in front of the woods a marsh of about 200 yards, with a small stream running through it parallel with the woods. A causeway also extends across the swamp, to the right of which the swamp is impassa. ble. Here the enemy opened a terrible fire of shell from the rear, of the woods. I again called for a regiment, and my regiment came forward very promptly. I immediately deployed in line of battle and charged forward to the woods, three companies on the right and the other five on the left of the road. I moved forward in quick-time, and when within about 500 yards of the woods the enemy opened a galling fire of infantry from it. I ordered double-quick and raised a cheer, and with a grand yell the officers and mcii moved forward in splendid order and glorious determination, driving the enemy from this position. On reaching the woods I halted and reorganized my line. The three companies on the right of the road (in consequence of not being able to get through the niarsh) did not reach the woods, and were moved by Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander by the flank on the causeway. During this time a terrible fire of grape and canister was opened by the enemy through the woods, hence I did not wait for the three companies, but immediately charged with the five at hand directly through the woods; but in consequence of the denseness of the woods, which was a perfect matting of vines and brush, it was almost impossible to get through, but by dint of untiring assiduity the men worked their way through nobly. At this point I was called out of the woods by Lieutenant Bacon, aide-de. camp, who gave the order, The general wants you to charge through the woods. I replied that I was then charging, and that the men were working their way through as fast as possible. Just then I saw the two companies of my regiment which embarked on the Marblehead coming up to one of the companies that was unable to get through the swamp on the right. I went out to meet them, hastening them forward, with a view of re-enforcing the five already engaged on the left of the road in the woods; but the latter having worked their way successfully through and driven the enemy from his position, I moved the two coin- panies up the road through the woods until I came up with the ad- vance. The two companies on the right side of the road, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Alexander had also worked their way up through the woods and opened fire on the retreating enemy. At this point I halted and reorganized umy regiment, by forming- close column by companies. I then detailed Lieutenant Minnich, of Company B, and Lieutenant 11 U UVOL XI Page 162 162 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XX~1. Breneman, of Company H, with a squad of men, to collect the killed and wounded. They promptly and faithfully attended to this important duty, deserving much praise for the efficiency and coolness they dis- played during the fight and in the discharge of this humane and worthy trust. The casualties in this engagement were 96. Captain Junker of Com- pany K; Captain Mickley, of Company (I, and Lieutenant Geety, of Company H, fell mortally wounded while gallantly leading their re- spective companies on. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men. They all performed deeds of valor, an(l rushed forward to (luty and danger with a spirit and energy worthy of veterans. The rear forces coming up passed my regiment and pursued the enemy. When I had my regiment again placed in order, and hearing the boom of cannon, I immediately followed np, and, upon reaching the scene of action, I was ordered to deploy my regiment on the right side of the wood, move forward alono- the edge of it, anci relieve the Seventh Connecticut Regiment. This I promptly obeyed. The position here occupied by the enemy was on the opposite side of the Pocotaligo Creek, with a marsh on either si(le of it, and about 800 yards distant from the opposite wood, where the enemy had thrown up rifle pits all along its edge. On my arrival the enemy had ceased firing; but after the lapse of a few minutes they commenced to cheer and hurrah for the Twenty-sixth South Carolina. We distinctly saw this regiment come up in double- quick and the men rapidly jumping into the pits. We immediately opened fire upon them with terrible effect, and saw their men thlling by scores. In return they opened a galling fire upon us. I ordered the men under cover and to keep up the fire. During this time our forces commenced to retire. I kept my position until all our forces were on the march, and then gave one volley and retired by flank in the road at double-quick about 1,000 yards in the rear of the Seventh Connecti- cut. This regiment was formed about 1,000 yards in the rear of my former position. We jointly formed the rear guard of our forces and alternately retired in the above manner. My casualties here amounted to 15 men. We arrive(l at Frampton (our first battle ground) at 8 p. m. Here my regiment was relieved from further rear-guard duty by the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment. This gave me the desired opportunity to carry my dead and wounded from the field and convey them back to the landing. I arrived at the above place at 3 oclock the following morning. 1 am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. GOOD, Colonel. Captain LANBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 11. Report of Got. Richard White, F Pennsylvania Infantry. CAMP FIFTY-FIFTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Beaufort, AS~. C., October 26, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders from your headquarters, in regard to th Page 163 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCIIIE, S. C., F~TC. 163 action of my command in the battles of October 22, I would respect- fully report that after disembarking at Mackays Landing my ~om- inand was assigned its place, beitig on the left of the First Brigade, Colonel Chatfield in command. In this order it marched for some miles, companies being detailed from time to time, with orders to report to Colonel Good, commanding the advance. Near Frampton the command was ordered up on double-quick, which was promptly obeyed. At this point it came under a very heavy and destructive fire of shell and can- ister from the enemys batteries. The order was received to form in column and advance; and, although the most of the command had never been exposed to a cannonade so severe and so sustained and men were falling rapidly from its effects, yet the order was executed with admirable promptitude and precision, the officers, with one excep- tion, setting a noble example, which was imitated by the rank and file. The order was then received to get under cover for a time, while our artillery operated against the enemys guns. Then the order was sent to charge. Together with the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers and Sixth Connecticut my command rushed in, and although the ground was exceedingly difficult, covered with a dense thicket, with a swamp in front, our men, with remarkable energy, at once overcame these obsta- cles, swept over the hostile position, and rapidly pursued the fleeing enemy. The pursuit was continued to Pocotaligo, where the enemy had again taken up a strong position, broken the bridge over the creek in his front, and while re-enforcements were arriving to his support opened a heavy fire of cannon and musketry. My command, having come up at the double-quick, was ordered into position on our left. In obedi- ence to an order for two companies of sharpshooters to operate against the enemys batteries, Company A, under command of Lient. D. W. Fox, and Company B, Captain Shearer, were thrown forward. These companies, well armed with good weapons, went in with the greatest enthusiasm and their deadly fire soon caused the enemy~s cannonade to slacken, and more than held their own in the contest with the enemys sharpshooters. This, being carried on at short range, was quite bloody. - Company A lost among others Sergeant [Samuel] ilerter, who was shot dead while taking aim, and its remaining sergeants, [Abram] Alstead, [Patrick F.] lodge, and [Harry] Marlett, were wounded. These companies, having exhausted their ammunition, had to be re- lieved. First Lient. D. W. Fox distinguished himself by the efficient manner iu which he fought his men. Company K, armed with the Springfield musket, was sent up to relieve. It was well led by Lieutenant Saupp and Acting Second Lieut. II. W. Fox. The latter in particular behaved well. The loss in this company is one that will be felt. It includes First Sergt. William L. Martin, who was shot dead a wounded. , ud Sergt. [G. E.] Leech, who was severely Company D, Captain Lyons, and Company E, Captain Bennett, were also ordered forward to support our battery, but being armed with altered smooth-bore muskets their fire could not compete with that of the enemys splendidly armed sharpshooters. They were brought offi These gallant men fulfilled, every duty practicable to men in their situa- tion. Company D fired as long as they could load their muskets, which after a few rounds became so foul that a cartridge could hardly be rammed down, and even then many of the cones were blown out of the seats. The experience of Company E in the matter of arms is the same as that of Company D. In the latter company the captain received a ball through his sleeve and four of his men were wounded. Captai Page 164 164 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL Bennett, of Company E, a noble, chivalric young officer, beloved by his men, was killed on the spot, and two of his sergeants, W. Ben~e- man and [George P.] Parry, were s everely wounded. I trust that I am within the line of duty in respectfully claiming the attention of the general commanding to the fact that the usefulness of my command was limited by its armament. So far as it was equipped with rifles and Springfield muskets so far was it of account. I was compelled to withdraw gallant men and capital marksmen because the weapons they carried were worse than useless. True our bayonets might have counted for something, but that was the fault of the enemy, not ours. He did not wait to give us an opportunity to handle them. Late in the evening I was ordered to withdraw my command beyond the second line of defense and from there to Mackays Landing. This was accomplished in the best of order. My command remained there. until all the troops had embarked, being the last to quit the spot. I think I would fail in my duty did I not express the gratitude of the command to the general commanding the whole expedition for the gentle and provident care exercised by him toward the wounded. The hardy soldiers have found a new tie of attachment to their leader. My second in command, Major Filler, manifested much bravery. Ad- jutant Metzger and Lieutenant George, regimental quartermaster, were of much use to me during the action. Adjutant Metzger manifested the qualities which should characterize the accomplished field officer, and both he and Lieutenant George were especially active in the trans- mission of orders and bringing off the wounded. With much respect, I have the honor to be, colonel, your most obe- dient servant, RICHARD WHITE, Oolonel, Commanding Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Col. T. H. GooD, Commanding First Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. No. 12. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. HEADQLTARTERS U. S. FOECES, Hilton Head, S. C., November 3, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the troops under my command in the exl)edition to Poco- taligo on the 21st, 22d, and 23d ultimo: My force consisted of 514 officers and men of the Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, under Col. Josemh H. Hawley, temporarily or- ganized as six companies; 480 officers and men of the Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer; under Col. John II. Jackson, organized as six companies; 420 officers and men of the Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Col. D. C. Strawbridge, also organ- ized as six companies; four companies of the Third Rhode Island Ar- tillery, under Maj. H. Rogers, jr., and a section of Hamiltons battery (E), of the Third Artillery, U. S. Army. A detachment of the Volun- teer Engineer Regiment, 250 strong, under the command of Col. E. W. Serrell, also accompanied the troops from this post. On arriving a Page 165 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCIIIE, S. C., ETC. 165 Mackays Point Colonel Serrell was attached to the staff of the general commanding, and Lient. Col. James F. Hall, upon whom the command of the detachment devolved, was ordered to report to me. The embarkation from this point was effected during the afternoon of the 21st and was completed at dusk, the troops being distributed on the transports as follows: The Seventh Connecticut on the transport Boston; the Third Kew Hampshire on the Boston and the gunboats Patroon and Uncas- the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the transport Flora and the gunboat Water Witch; the Third Rhode Island Artillery on the gunboats Marblehead and Vixen; the Volunteer Engineers on the armed transport George Washington, and the section of artillery on one of the flats constructed for that purpose. After the embarkation the vessels of the expedition moved in their places pre- scribed by the order of sailing. Between 9 and 10 oclock in the evening I received a verbal order from the brigadier-general commanding to detail 107 officers and men to embark in the boats of the men-of-war, and proceed to and beyond Mackays Point and endeavor to capture the enemys outposts in that vicinity. In accordance with this order I detailed for this service 2 officers an(l 75 men from the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers and 2 officers and 32 men of the Third New Hampshire Volunteers. Captain Gray, of the Seventh Connecticut, with 95 men, was directed to pro- ceed np Broad River, beyond Mackays Point, and land in the rear of the pickets and cut off their retreat in the direction of Pocotaligo. The remaining 12 men, under command of Lieut. S. M. Smith, of the Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, were directed to proceed up the Pocotaligo River and capture the pickets upon Cuthberts Island. I have received no written report from Captain Gray, but I learned from him verbally that, under the guidance of the negro guide fur- nished to him, he ascended Broad River some 3 miles above Mackays Point, a distance much beyond the proper point for a landing, and when the error was discovered it was too late to effect his object. Lieuten- ant Smith was more fortunate; he landed undiscovered, and by a judi- cious disposition of his men succeeded in capturing 1 lieutenant and 3 men of the enemy, together with their horses. I inclose you Lieutenant Smiths report.* Owing to the sailing signal being unobserved or misunderstood much confusion and delay occurred in the movements of the vessels on which my command was embarked, and they did not arrive at the point of de- barkation until long after the anticipated time. The Boston, on which were my own headquarters, did not arrive until nearly 8 a. m. of the 22d, and the gunboats Marblehead and Water Witch were delayed until a very late period of the day. Upon my arrival I found that the debarkation of the troops already arrived was proceeding, and I immediately commenced landing the men upon my own vessel. I here received orders from the general commanding to form my own brigade in columns, right in front, immediately in rear of the First Brigade, and to put the whole force in motion toward Pocotaligo. On landing I found that the First Brigade, under Colonel Chatfield, with the exception of the Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, had already moved forward, and that the battery of my brigade and the one company of the Third Ithode Island Artillery, which had arrived, had accompanied them. Lieutenant Henry, ~yith the battery of the First * Not found Page 166 166 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXYL Brigade, and Lieut. Lloyd Ph~nix, U. S. Navy, with three boat howit- zers, here reported to me. I immediately directed Colonel Bell, of the Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, to move his regiment forward, and, as soon as my own brigade was formed, put them in march, the battery and boat howit- zers leading, folfowed by the Seventy:sixth Pennsylvania, the Seventh Connecticut, the Third New Hampshire, and the Engineers. Finding that the First Brigade was some distance in advance, I sent orders to Colonel Chatfield to halt his command until my own men should come up. The whole force being united, Lieutenant Henrys section of artil- lery joined the First Brigade; Lieutenants Gittings section joined m~# own, and the company of Rhode Island Artillery, under Capt. J. J. Comstock, was assigned to duty with the battery of boat howitzers. The column was then put in motion, but immediately thereafter I received orders from the general commanding to halt, throw out pickets, and await his arrival. The point at which this halt was made was some 2~ or 3 miles from the landing. On the generals arrival the whole force advanced, marching by the flank. Approaching Framptons, the sound of artillery was heard at the front, and I soon received orders to form column and move forward at the double-quick to support the First Brigade, then engaged with the enemy. I here detailed half a company of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers as a hospital guard, and the remainder of the same company, under Captain Tourtellotte, to assist the boat howitzers. In obedience to further orders from the commanding general my leading regiment (the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania) was thrown into the woods, 200 yards to the left of the road, to protect the left flank of the first line, and the Seventh Connecticut and Third New Hampshire were deployed on the right and left immediately in the rear of the batteries, which were maintaining a rapid fire. The brigade remained in this position for some time, the men lying down and thus escaping serious damage from the enemys fire. Having r& eived orders to that effect, I moved forward a short distance beyond the guns, while a charge upon the battery in our front was executed by troops of the First Bri- gade. The enemy being driven from their position, I was ordered to again advance, and I attempted to do so in line; but finding the ground in front densely wooded, and intersected by a marsh that could only be crossed by a causeway, the regiments were brought into the road by the flank. After passing the causeway and reaching the firm and open ground beyond I threw them again into column, the Third New Hamp- shire and Seventh Connecticut on the right of the road and the Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania on the left. Having advanced some distance in this formation the ground again became broken by woods and marshes, and I was again obliged to bring my men into the road and advance by the flank. Soon after coming into the road I received orders from the general commanding to send one regiment to the front on the double-quick, and to post another regiment, with one piece of artillery, on an obscure road, running into the Pocotaligo road from the Coosawhatchie road, so as to protect the left of our forces from any attack from that direction. I sent forward the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania, and went personally to post the Third New Hampshire and one boat howitzer in the directed position. Hav- ing accomplished this and coming to the front, I found the Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers and Seventh Connecticut already de- ployed on. the left and right of the road, just withimi the edge of the wood which borders the marshy banks of the Pocotaligo Rivera beyon Page 167 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 167 which the enemy had taken position, the batteries being on the road a little in advance of the line. Soon after my arrival our artillery fire was much diminished, owing to the exhaustion of the ammunition, and the fire of the enemy correspondingly increased. I therefore ordered for- ward the flank companies of the Seventh Connecticut, armed with Sharps breech-loading rifles, to open upon them. This order was obeyed with alacrity, and such was the accuracy and tremendous rapidity of their fire that the opposing battery was completely silenced and the enemys infantry were able to make only a feeble reply. At about this time the two companies of the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under command of Captain Hicks, which were embarked on the gun- boat Water Witch, came up, and were formed on the left of the artil- lery, between it and their own regiment, where they did good service. When the enemys fire slackened I gave the order to cease firing. As soon as this was done the enemys again sprang up. I then commenced firing from the whole line ceasing from time to time as theirs was con- trolled and again renewing it as theirs revived in consequence of the cessation of ours or of the arrival of their re-enforceinents. During this time a considerable body of cavalry appeared on this side of the river, threatening our left flank. Colonel Strawbridge, whose regiment formed our left, promptly wheeled up two companies, opened fire, and drove them back. They did not again advance during the day. Shortly after the fire was first opened I endeavored to ascertain whether the river was fordable, and for this purpose directed Colonel Hawley, of the Seventh Connecticut, to call for volunteers to examine it, and First Lieut. E. S. Perry and Private Crabbe, of Company II, gallantly offered to perform this duty. Advancing under the fire of both parties they reached the banks, and ascertained that it is one of the narrow, but deep and muddy, streams common in this region, and that there was no possibility of fording it. At about 5 oclock I learned from the general commanding that, in consequence of the breaking down of the bridge and the resulting im- possibility of effecting a passage across the stream behind which the enemy had retreated, he had determined to withdraw his forces, and I received directions from him to cover the movement, maintaining my position until dusk and until all the wounded should be carried to the rear. The general at the same time directed the Fourth New Hamp- shii~e Regiment, then in the road, somewhat in the rear of the front, to form a line on the left and retire slowly. In pursuance of these orders I remained in positiou till quite dark, and until the wounded were brought in and I received orders to retire. Prior to the reception of these orders I had relieved the Seventh Con- necticut, whose ar~m~iuition was nearly exhausted, by the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania; and the Third New Hampshire, which was still at some distance to the left and rear, in the position where I had posted it, was brought back to the road, its right resting upon it; and the boat how- itzer, under command of Midshipman Wallace, was brought to the front, when it fired the last discharge of artillery of the day. The regiments were withdrawn one after the other, successively forming lines to the rear to cover the withdrawal of each other, the cavalry occupying the road at charging distance behind the lines thus formed. On arriving at the first causeway 1 found the general commanding with the troops first withdrawn, and received from him orders to proceed at once with my brigade to Mackays Point and put the regiments in bivouac as they should arrive. On my way to this place, while still between 2 and 3. miles from it, I met coming up that portion of the Third Rhode Islan Page 168 168 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. Artillery, under Major Rogers, which had been on the gunboat Marble- head, and directed him to halt his command and report his arrival to the general commanding. As fast as the regiments came in at the point they were placed in bivouac, in brigade lines, at right angles to the road, and a fresh supply of ammunition was served out. At midnight, in ac- cordance with directions received from the general commanding, Major Rogers detachment of the Third Rhode Jsland and the cavalry were thrown forward as pickets, with instructions to fire rockets as signals to the gunboats whose guns bore upon the approaches to our position, in case of the appearance of the enemy. After my a.rrival I made details from the regiments of my own bri- gade to aid similar details from the First Brigade, who, under the im- mediate direction of the general commanding, were bringing in the wounded. As fast as they were brought in they were placed upon the transports, both officers and men, although very weary, working with great zeal and cheerfulness to succor their disabled comrades. The re- embarkation of the troops commenced at about 8 a. m. of the 23d and was completed at sunset, the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, three companies of which had been substituted for the Rhode Island detachment as pickets in the afternoon, being the last to leave the point. In the afternoon several pickets and vedettes of the enemy were seen by our outposts, but they remained at a respectful distance and made no effort to annoy them. During the whole of the 22d nothing could surpass the coolness and firmiiess of both officers and men of my command. Where all have done their duty so manfully it is difficult to single out individuals for special commendation, but I desire to express my thanks to Colonels Hawley, Jackson, and Strawbridge, to Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, and to Lient. E. Gittings, wounded, of the battery. The courage and good conduct of all these gentlemen deserve the highest approbation of the commanding general. The Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers was for a short time under my immediate command, and, although they are not a por- tion of my brigade, I cannot forbear mentioning the steadiness and disci- pline displayed by this admirable regiment during our movements to the rear. I desire also to bring to the notice of the commanding general the gallant manner in which Lieutenant Pheenix, U. S. Navy, and the offi- cers and men under his command, and the officers and men detailed to assist them, served the boat howitzers during the day. My thanks are due also to a civilian, Mr. S. A. Cooley, the sutler of the Sixth Connecticut Regiment, who, under no obligations of duty, but prompted solely by motives of humanity, labored most energetically and effectively throughout the night, superintending the boats used in carry- ing the wounded on board the transports. I am under great obligations to Dr. 1). J. MeKibbin, surgeon of vol- unteers, acting as brigade surgeon to the Second Brigade, for his unwearied efforts in behalf of the wounded, and to the members of my personal staff, Capt. Theodore Bacon, Seventh Connecticut Volun- teers, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieuts. Adrian Terry, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and Martin S. James, Third Rhode Island Artillery, aides-de-camp, who conveyed my orders under the heaviest fire with a zeal, activity, and courage that left nothing to b~ 4es~red Page 169 CHAP XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 169 I inclose the reports of the commanders of the regiments of my bri- gade. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED II. TERRY, - Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Capt. Louis J. LAMEERT, Asst. A djt. Gen., Hilton Head, k~. C. No. 13. Report of Col. Joseph R. Hawley, seventh Connecticut Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, Camp ilitcheock, Hilton Head, AS~. C., October 25, 1862. CAPTAIN: I submit, for the consideration of the brigadier-general commanding, a report of the part taken by this regiment in the late expedition and the actions which took place near Pocotaligo on the 22d instant: General Terry ordered me to furnish a force of 500 men, including officers, and, in accordance with verbal instructions, I organized them into six companies, commanded by Captains Chamberlain (first corn- pany), Skinner (second company), Gray (third company), Dennis (fourth company), Tourteliotte (fifth company), and Burdick (sixth company). Captain Dennis being unable to walk, the command of hjs company fell to Lient. E. S. Perry. Capt. 0. 5. Sanford acted as major, Lieutenant. Colonel Gardiner being ill and Major Rodman absent on recruiting serv- ice. Capt. James A. Burns, acting quartermaster, and Capt. C. C. Mills, who returned from recruiting service after the force was organized, both waived all questions of etiquette and went upon my staff, the lat- ter as adjutant, and rendered indispensable and constant aid in the field and elsewhere. Assist. Surg. Horace P. Porter, acting surgeon, accoin- panied us, Dr. line remaining in charge of the sick in camp. The other officers were Chaplain II. L. Wayland, First Licuts. John Thomp- son, William E. Phillips, Edward S. Perry, and S. S. Atwell, and Sec- ond Lieutenants Wilson, Wildman, Hatchinson, Van Keuren, Barker, and Marble. The entire force that left Hilton Head was: Field and acting staff offi- cers, 6; non-commissioned staff; 3; company officers, 13; musicians and others (hospital attendants), 17; color bearers, 2; enlisted men bearing arms, 470. Aggregate, 514. This excludes a corporal and 5 men with- out arms, put in charge of our stores on the Boston. We embarked ou the Boston on the afternoon of the 21st. At 11 p. in., on the passage np Broad River, by General Terrys order, I detailed Captain Gray, Lieutenant Hutchinson, ahd 74 men, to whom were added about 20 men of the Third New Hampshire, under Lieutenant Head, to proceed up the river in boats, manned by the Navy and guided by two negroes, past Mackays Point, and then landing on the main-land to cut oft~ and capture the rebel picket, said to number about 60, on duty at that point. A barge with a howitzer from the Paul Jones accompanied them. They safely I)assed the point apparently without being noticed; but the negro in the leading boat with Captain Gray conducted them 2 or 3 miles beyond the proper landing l)lace, where a causeway might have been reached and the rebels intercepted. This fact was ascer- tained by inquiring of the other negro in Lieutenant ilutchinsons boa Page 170 170 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [OI~Ar. XXVI. and the party turned about, but the favorable moment had passed. Daylight appeared before they got back to the spot and they kept on to Mackays Point, where they found our troops debarking, the enemy of course having fled. Lieutenant Smith, of the Third New Hampshire, who accompanied Captain Gray as far as the tug boat Relief towed the party, and then went up the Pocotaligo with 12 men, is reported to have been more suc- cessful, and to have captured several of the enemy. The Boston reached Mackays Point about 8 a. m. on the 22d, and the regiment promptly debarked and formed line. The Seventy-sixth Penn- sylvania, Colonel Strawbridge, of this brigade, being already on shore, took the lead, following the First Brigade, Colonel Chatfield command- ing. After the delays and halts, a rising from causes of which I know nothing, the two brigades marched on. At about 12.30 oclock we heard artillery firing in advance of the column, and moving on rapidly at double-quick we passed evidences of the commencing conflict, and by General Terrys order I detailed half of my fifth company, under Lieuten- ant Greene, as a guard for the field hospital being established. They did their duty faithfully for fifteen hours, and rendered great aid to the wounded, constructing temporary litters with saplings and strij)5 of their own blankets, bringing off the disabled, & c., there being no occasion to resist the enemy. A few minutes after, by the generals order, I de- tailed the remainder of the fifth company, under Captain Tourtellotte and Lieutenant Phillips, to guard and help to draw the three boat how. itzers. They did not fail in their duty for a moment. The remaining five companies, by the generals order, formed column by company and continued advancing. Approaching the two strips of thick wood, divided by a marsh and crossed by the road nearly at right angles, General Terry ordered us into line on the right of the brigade, and we halted. Advancing a few paces the brigade again halted (see A on sketch), and the men lay down, the enemys artillery and infantry keep- ing up a lively fire, which more particularly endangered the regiments (Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania and Third New Hampshire) on our left. Some minutes passed, our artillery working fiercely, and the First Bri- gade, which had been hotly engaged, reforming its lines. A general ad- vance followed, there being one brief halt (B) after jumping the ditch. The thick and almost impassable wood was entered and the marsh soon reached (C), but the enemy had left the opposite bank. As the general ordered, we moved by the left flank until we touched the road, then counter-marched to bring my right to cross the causeway, whicl4 7thC~V Page 171 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWIIATCIIIE, S. C., ETC. 171 after a halt we did at a lively pace, following the Sixth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers. A rapid march of 2 or 3 miles followed, much of it at double-quick; but the men endured it remarkably well. The sounds of a renewed fight reached us, and we hurried along the narrow road through a heavy wood toward the front, where I was ordered to file to the right into the wood. I obeyed, changing direction a little to the right to go behind the reserve of the Fourth New Hampshire (A, sec- ond sketch), halted (B), reported, and was instructed that my duty was to hold the position and the marsh iu front at all hazards. Moving by the left flank a little, and throwing forward my right, so as to bring my line more nearly perpendicular to the road, I dressed the line, halted (C), and ordered the men to lie down, the artillery of the enemy send- ing occasional missiles in our direction, one of which instantly killed Private James Cook, of Company I, and wounded one or two others. I found near me a small reserve of the Fourth New Hampshire, and send- ing forward to the edge of the wood skirting the marsh I learned that more of that regiment were there deployed as skirmishers and main- taining a dropping fire. They returned word that they could hold their position if well supported. I informed their commanding officer, Colonel Bell, and rested, having no instructions to transmit to any other regi- ment. General Terry soon ordered me to send forward our Sharps riflemen to the edge of the wood to work upon the enemys battery across the marsh. I ordered forward Companies A and B, Captains Chamberlain and Burdick (Captain Sanford, acting major, superintending the move- ment), the men to be deployed at short intervals (E and E). There were nearly 100 of them, and they opened a fire of astonishing rapidity, with sights. ranging from 400 to 600 yards, and I must believe with accuracy, for the enemys field pieces, and even his infantry fire, were silenced in a very few moments. Again receiving General Terrys in- structions the regiment rose up and moved in good line to join Com- panies A and B at the edge of the wood (F), and commenced firing *3 & f) I II M.rIew Oft!GF7~& .~ de~9f Page 172 172 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVL by file with the greatest satisfaction to the men. The officers cautioned them to elevate the sights properly and to fire deliberately. The Sharps riflemen were ordered to cease firing, that they might reserve some am- munition. AIer a time (the enemy being nearly quiet) I caused the bugle to sound Cease firing, and the men promptly obeyed and were ordered to lie down. The moment any groups of the enemy appeared on the edge of the not very thick woods opposite or about the buildings or near the one field piece which we could see (the other had been drawn ~ut of sight) our fire was opened for a short time and the Sharps riflemen were permitted to work at intervals. At one time I had 6 men from each company detailed to maintain such a fire as would keep down the enemy. Again and again the regiment opened and ceased firing, obeying the bugle calls as promptly as if simply on drill. General Terry at one time desired us to charge across the marsh if it was practicable, and to send some one to examine the ground. I called for half a dozen volunteers, and thrice the number sprang up immediately. 1 selected 5, and after exploring they reported that as far as I ordered them to go (150 or 200 yards) the footing was very fair and they could see no creek. Satisfied that there was one I called again for volunteers, and Lieutenant Perry and Private Crabbe, eagerly offering, were accepted, and ordered to keep low and find the creek. Our men were notified and cautioned not to hit them. They went, stooping nnder the fire of both parties, two-thirds of the way across, and reported a deep creek, of the character common here, with mnddy banks and low water. I sent the lieutenant to General Terry. Though we prolonged the expenditure of ammunition as much as pos- sible, I was obliged to report that (if any was to be reserved for future contingencies) it would soon be necessary to relieve us. We had some time previously heard a locomotive whistle during a lull, and there was repeatedly great cheering among the rebels, for which (their fire having been repeatedly silenced) there was no apparent cause, unless their re-enforcements had come up throngh the woods in their rear. Such must have been the case, for it required more constant work to keep their fire quiet and their rifles were getting a better range of our position; but they never showed any disposition to cross to us. The Forty-seventh Pennsylvania was ordered to take our places after a time, and as we moved, by the right of companies to the rear they promptly advanced and opened a hot fire. By General Terrys order we again formed in line a few hundred yards back, and when the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania had taken a position back of us we filed into the road, and perhaps 1,000 yards to the rear filed to the left, and again formed a line perpendicular to the road, facedby the rear rank, our right resting on the road, while the Third New Hampshire, Colonel Jackson, occupied a corresponding position across the way. After all the wounded and stragglers had passed, by the generals orders we took the road and proceeded to Mackays Point, 5 or 6 miles distant, reaching it in about seven hours from the time we ceased firing. Our frequent halts were owing to regiments ahead and to the necessity of caring for the wounded. Upon reaching the field hospital all our wounded were attended to, and, weary as our men were, about 20 cheer- fully volunteered to go back and assist in bringing along others. We bivouacked at the Point, and during the night obtained a fresh supply of ammunition. In the morning (October 23) we embarked on the Boston, on which were also about 120 dead and wounded of various regiments, and returned to Hilton Head Page 173 CHAr. XXVt] SRIRMISII AT COOSAWUATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 173 General Terry has already received a substantially accurate state- ment of our losses; but I apl)end the official report of Dr. Porter.* A number of slight contusions and grazes were not entered on the list. For every officer and non-commissioned officer (save possibly one of the latter) I have none but words of unqualified praise. The captaius have made wril~ten reports by name of all l)rivates who failed to keel) the ranks throughout. The list is very small, and those against whom the su~picion of cowardice or desertion arises are very few indeed. Of the regiment as a body it is precisely true that it was regular, steady, promptly obedient, and fully under control every moment. I do not know what more I could have asked of it or asking could have ob- tained. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. 11. HAWLEY, Colonel Seventh Connecticut Volunteers. Capt. THEODORE BACON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. No. 14. Report of Col. John H. Jackson, Third New Hampshire Infantry. HDQRS. THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, Hilton Head, S. C., October 26, 1862. CArTAIN: I have the honor to present the following report: Agreeably to Special Orders, No. 5, from Headquarters Second Bri- gade, (lated October 21, 1862, 1 reported with 480 men at the head ot the wharf at 1 p. in., and received orders to embark 100 men on board the Pa~roou and Uncas. The remainder of my command embarked on board the steamer Boston. Between 10 and 11 oclock at night I was ordered to detail 2 officers and 32 men to cut off some pickets of the enemy. One of the officers, with 20 men, reported to Captain Gray, of the Seventh Connecticut Vol- minteers. The remaining officer, with 12 men, with an officer and boats crew from the Paul Jones, went in another direction and captured a picket: The report of Lieutenant Smith, comn~anding this detachment, please find inclosed, marked A.t Lu the morning about 8 oclock I disembarked, and soon after received orders to advance. A short time after our advance had engaged the enemy I received orders to form in line of battle in the rear of and a little to the left of one of our batteries, which position I took under a severe fire of the enemy. Most of their fire, however, was to ohigh,and passed over our heads. I soon received orders to again advance, and after advancing some dis- tance was ordered to position on the left of our forces, with one piece of marine artillery, to guard against any attempt of the enemy to turn our left flank. I remained in this position some time, and received orders to send for- ward the piece of artillery then with me. About dark I received orders to draw in my advance and retire from my position and take a new position, with my right resting on the main road, and remain there till our forces had all passed me. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 148. t Not found Page 174 174 COASTS OF S. C., GA, A NI) MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVL After all had passed inc arid a company of cavalry, with one piece of artillery, had taken position in the road I had orders to retire. After retiring and taking a new position near the river I sent out, by order, a number of details, one of 100 men, to assist in removing the wounded. During the day 3 of my command were wonnded.* During the forenoon of Thursday the 23d were embarke according to orders ,the men of my command during that received, and arrived at this camp night and Friday morning, when the last were landed. During the expedition the officers and the men generally did their duty faithfully. I returned with three companies of my regiment on the Paul Jones; and would take this opportunity to present my thanks and those of my officers and men who were with me to the commander of the Paul Jones, also to his officers and mcii, for the kind treatment we all received while on board. All my officers and men who were in this expedition speak highly of the treatment they received while on board the gunboats. Dr. Buzzell, of my regiment, was untiring in his efforts to make the wounded as comfortable as possible. My command is now all in camp, and ready and willing to move again at short notice. The property captured by Lieutenant Smith is mentioned in his report. One of the fowling-pieces was taken by Serg. Nathaniel J. Campbell, of his company, who expressed a strong desire to have the piece. If it can be done, I hope his wish will be gratified. With respect, your obedient servant, JOHN H. JACKSON, Colonel Third New Hampshire Volunteers. Captain BACON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. No. 15. Report of Col. De Witt C. Strawbridge, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania In fantry. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-SIXTH REGT. PA. VOLS., Hilton head, S. C., October , 1862. CAPTAIN: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 5, received from Headquarters Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps, I embarked on board of the steamer Flora and Water Witch (gunboat) on the 21st instant, with 40 men and the proper number of officers, and proceeded up Broad River to Mackays Point, where we disembarked, with about 280 men, on the morning of the 22d, and thence proceeded toward Poco- taligo Creek, and about 5 or 6 miles out. By your order my command was deployed into the wood on the left of the road and remained there until ordered forward, when I proceeded through the wood in line, and, crossing quite a swamp, proceeded for- ward, in column of company, until ordered into the road; then receiv- ing orders to push forward at double-quick to support the First Artil- lery, and occupied the extreme left, where my regiment was properly formed across the road leading to Pocotaligo, and there opened up a brisk fire, in support of the artillery, and, finding a large number of rebel cavalry were verging around on my left, I un mediately prolonged my * Nominal list omitted. See p. 1413 Page 175 thTAP. XXVI.J SKI1~MISll AT COOSAWHATCIIW, S. C., ETC~ 175 line and opened up a brisk fire on them, when they fell back. The two other companies then caine up and were prope~ly formed on the left of the artillery and commenced firing and continued doing so mull the ammunition was exhausted, when 1 reported the case, and was ordered to fall back slowly and l)roceed back to the landing. The officers and men performed their parts well, obeying promptly every order; our loss being 75 in killed, wounded, and missing. Of this number 12 were killed (2 captains), 62 were wounded, and 1 missing. Upon arriving at the landing I immediately supplied my commaud with aihmnnition and then bivouacked for the night. At 12 oclock on the 23d I re embarked on board of the gunboat Water Witch, and arrived at Hilton Head, S. C., at 6 p. in., and then and proceeded to camp. The men were considerably worn- out, but were feeling well in consequence of the victory. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. STRAWBRIDGE, Colonel, Commanding Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Capt. THEODORE BACON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. No. 16. Report of Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry. IIDQRS. U.~ S. FORCES ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort Pulaski, Ga., October 23, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report my share in the recent opera- tions against the Charleston and Savannah Railroad: In accordance. with orders from General Mitchel, received on the evening of the 20th instant, I left this post at 8 a. in. on the 21st instan~ with 300 men of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers and 50 men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery (the latter under command of Capt. John H. Gould), with three days cooked an(l seven days uncooked rations, on board the armed transport Planter. On arriving at Hilton Head I received instructions as to my number in the line of the fleet, and also directions to report to Brigadier- Gen- eral Brannan, who commanded the expedition, on reaching Mackays Point, for further orders. Soon after daylight on the morning of the 22d I reported to General Brannan, on board the Ben IDe Ford, and was directed by him to pro- ceed with my command up the Coosawhatchie River, as near to the town of that name as I might deem practicable, and, disembarking under cover of the gunboats, which were to accompany me, to move toward the town, and, if possible, reach the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and destroy it at that point, and the bridge on it, over the Coosawhatchie. I was fully instructed, however, not to haiard too much in order to accomplish the above; but, if opposed by a force at all superior, to l~ll back under cover of the fleet. There was some delay in starting, arising from the gunboats being well to the rear, which I improved in borrowing from Commander Steedman, on board the flag-ship Paul Jones, a 12-pounder Dahlgren boat howitzer and 52 rounds of ammunition, which proved of grea Page 176 176 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND lAST FLA. [CHAP. XxVt service to me, and for which I desire to return my thanks. I was also furnished, by General j3rannans order, with 50 men from the New York State Volunteer Engineers, under command of Captain Eaton, provided with the necessary implements for cutting the railroad, & c. We were soon under way, and had proceeded some 3 miles U~ the river when the gunboats turned around and came back, in compliance, as I was informed, with an order from the flag-ship. I, however, continued on my course in the Planter, meanwhile signaling to the flag-officer for at least one gunboat, in reply to which he kindly sent two, viz ,the Patroon and the Marblehead, which followed after the lapse of a few minutes. The river at this point wa~ very narrow and winding, but the water in most places was over 12 feet in depth at low tide. I found no difficulty, therefore, in reaching a point 2 miles distant from Coosaw- hatchie; but, it now being almost dead low tide, farther ~rogress by water was rewi erecl impossible by the Planter running agron tid. Throw- ing a few sheils into the woods, I disembarked with my infantry and engineers as exl)editiously as possible, taking with me the boat howit- zer referred to above, in charge ot Captain Gould, Third Rhode Island Artillery, and a detachment of 12 of his men. The swampy nature of the ground rendered landing difficult; but, losing no time, I advanced toward the main road, sending a request to the officer in command of the Patroon (the gunboat nearest to me and about 1~ miles astern), to cover the road in my rear as I advanced. I should state here that both gunboats were unfortunately aground, and were thus prevented from taking a position nearer to the I~lanter. My advance reported squads of cavalry in sight as the main body entered the road, which it did at right angles to the point of (Ilsem- barkation. The road proved to be an excellent one, hard and firm, and evidently repaired but an hour or two before, the dirt being still fresh, and the tracks upon it showed plainly that artillery, infantry, and cavalry had just passed over it. I continued my advance toward the town, driving~in the enemy~s pickets and skirmishing the country as thoroughly as possible. When about 1 mile from the village the whistle of a locomotive was heard. I was informed by the contraband who had been furnished as a guide that it was the dirt train, which always passed at that hour, and which, he said, was well on its way to Savannah. A few moments, however, proved that he had misinformed me; for when the main body had arrived at a point within a few huudred yards of the town, and when the skirmishers had already reached the railroad track and telegraph line, the train was heard and seen rapidly coming down the road. I quickly placed my battalion in position, and as the train approached I directed a heavy and rapid fire upon it with grape and canister and musketry. This fire was very destructive. The train consisted of eight cars, six of which were platform, crowded with men, and two box cars, filled with officers. There were also two light field pieces on board. Many were seen to fall at the first fire (among them the engi- neer) and 25 or 30 jumped from the train. Most of them were maimed or killed and the rest (with one exception) betook themselves to the woods and swamp on the other side of the track. We carried away or destroyed here about 30 stand of arms, mostly rifles, and secured one officers sword and cap, and a stand of silk colors, belonging to the Whippy Swamp Guards. We left a number of the enemys dead and wounded on the track Page 177 CHAr. XXVI. SKIRMISH AT COOSAWIIATCIIIE, S. C., ETC. 177 I have since learned, from the Savannah papers of the 24th and 25th, that among the killed at this point was Major Harrison, of the Eleventh Georgia [South Carolina] Regiment, which regiment, with the guards name(l above, were on the train. Immediately after the train had passed Captain Eaton, by my direc- tions, set vigorously at work tearing np the railroad track, and con- tinned thus until the retreat was sounded. After this occurrence I con- cluded, if possible, to push rapidly into the town and attack the troops while in the confusion of disembarking, and marched forward for that purpose. I had proceeded but a short distance, however, before I came in full view of the enemys forces advantageously posted on the other si(le of the public road bridge, between that and the railroad bridge. They were flanked on their left by the river and on their right by a thick swamp, with three pieces of artillery commanding the bridge. They immediately opened fire upon us with their artillery and in- fantry, fortunately, however, for us, firiiig too high. I fired a few rounds in return, when (as it was now nearly night and the enemys re-enforcements alone were double my entire force) I marched slowly back to my boats. During my retreat the skirmishers frequently ob- served and encountered small bodies of the enemys cavalry, who were, however, easily driven off. I directed Captain Eaton, of the Engineers, to destroy the bridges on the road in my rear, which he did thoroughly, thus, in a measure, hindering the pursuit. The enemy, however, made his appearance and attacked us with infantry and artillery several times during our em- barkation, but in each instance we drove them off with serious loss, as they were directly under the guns of the Planter and Patroon. A~ soon as the steamer again floated we returned to Mackays Point by order of General Brannan, and thence by way of Hilton Head to this post. I regret to report that during the last attack of the enemy Lieut. J. B. Blanding, of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, at that time in charge of the Planter, was dangerously wounded in the left arm and side. He is, however, doing well. This was the only casualty on our side during the day. It affords me great pleasure to state that every officer and man of my command behaved during the entire day in the most commendable manner, evincing only a desire to meet the enemy and regret at the necessity of retreat. Major Green, acting lieutenant-colonel of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and Captain Strickland, acting major Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, were especially useful. Captain Gould, of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, also rendered me most efficient service, as did also Captain Eaton, Serrells Volunteer Engineers, all of whom dis- played the utmost zeal, energy, and ability in all they were called upon to perform. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM.. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth Few York Vols., Gommanding Po8t. Capt. Louis J. LAMBEET, Assistant Adjutant- General. 12 u RYOL XI Page 178 178 COASTS 0)? 5. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. fCkIAP. LXVI. No. 17. Report of Capt. ~amuet C. Eaton, First New York Engineers. HEADQUARTERS CAMP VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS, Hilton Head, S. 0., October 25, 1862. In compliance with orders from Col. E. XV. Serrell, chief engineer, I have the honor to report that, by your orders, I reported to Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, on board the Planter, at Mackays Point, on the morning of the 22d instant, with 32 men of my company (F) and 13 men of Company G, Lieutenant McKenna, of Company G, and Acting Lieutenant Browning, of my company, taking our arms, tools, and faggots, for destroying railroads and bridges. My detachment was taken in tow by the Planter, and steamed slowly up the Coosawhatchie River, accompanied by three gunboats, nntil within about 2 miles of the town, where two negroes were taken on board, near a large plantation house, on the left bank of the stream. Within about 500 yards of this honse the Planter ran aground near the middle of the stream, at this point about 75 yards wide. The last gunboat had stopped, and lay about one-half to three-quarters of a mile below. The tide was running out, and our boat being fast aground, we were ordered to land at about 2p. m. The infantry were first landed and skirmishers thrown out, a boat howitzer, with a detachment of the Third Rhode Island ArtiUery~ under Captain Gould, and the Engineers following. The landing was made on a miry bank, about 4 feet above the water at that time, and covered with tall sedge-grass, about 100 yards of which lay between us and the solid ground. The Engineers were ordered to the front to open a -passage to the main road, which was about 500 yards in a direct line from the point of our landing, and we followed it in a northerly direction nearly par- allel to the general course of the stream. The road had been newly re- paired that morning; low bushes and trees lined it on either side, with occasional open fields beyond. After marching abont 1~ miles a loco- motive whistle was heard immediately on our left and front, and we were halted and brought to the front in line of battle just in time to see the engine unmasked from the trees and bushes that covered its approach from the south. The Engineers were on the right, and, at the command, delivered their fire with the other forces as the train passed loaded with troops. I was immediately ordered forward with my first platoon to destroy the railroad and telegraph at that point. The remaining portion of the Engineer detachment moved on up the road, under Lieutenant Mc- Kenna, with the main body, a small party of skirmishers remaining at the railroad with me. As we reached the track a rebel jumped ujj~ from the opposite ditch and gave himself up. We had succeeded in tearing out two rails entirely from the track and five or six others partially, kindled a fire for burning the ties and warping the rails, cut down two of the lar~e telegraph poles and cat the wire in several places, when cavalry was reported in our rear, infantry and artillery in our front, and we were ordered to fall back, taking our tools and arms, besides two muskets and one rifle belonging to the enemy. We fell back onto the road, and as the column filed past, marching in re- treat, fell in with the balance of the Engineer detachment, and were ordered to destroy the bridges in the rear of the retreating forces Page 179 ~sttAP. XX~T] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCUIE, 5. 0., ETC. 179 Four bridges were destroyed by throwing off the plank and cutting the spans, oniy two of which were of sufficicut width to detain cavalry and artillery. The largest was about 12 or 15 feet in width, with banks of about 4 feet in height. No further engineering duties were per- formed except to assist in repelling an attack made by the enemy as we were re-embarking. We were all safely back at the Planter about 5.30 p. in., and as the tide soon floated her, got under way for Mackays Point, where I re- ported on board the steamer George Washington; but finding that steamer about leaving on picket duty reported back to the Planter, and remained on board until morning, when I reported to yourself and Colonel Serrell on shore, receiving orders from him to report back with my detachment on board the George Washington if she should arrive before the Planter left; if not, to remain with the latter and be towed back to this post. In compliance with this order I arrived here at or about 3 p. m. of the 23d instant. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. EATON, Captain, Commanding Detachment of Volunteer Engineers. Lieut. Col. JAMES F. HALL, Commttnding Volunteer Engineers. No. 18. R~port of General G. I. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. SAVANNAH, GA., October 23, 18628 a. m. The Abolitionists attacked in force Pocotaligo and Coosawhatchie yes- terday. They were gallantly repulsed to their gunboats at Mackays Point and Bees Creek Landing by Col. W. S. Walker, commanding district, and Col. G. P. Harrison, commanding troops sent from here. Enemy had come in thirteen transports and gunboats. Charleston Railroad uninjured. Abolitionists left dead and wounded on the field. Our cavalry in hot pursuit. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [General] S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va Page 180 180 COASTS OF S C., GA, AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. No. 19. Casualties in the Confederate forces October 2223, 1862. [Compiled from the reports.] a Command. -~ e n a a Remarks. 0 W ~0 H Entledge Mountsd Riflemen 2 2 1st Battalion South Carolina Cavalry: Company A 1 1 Company B 1 9 10 Company C 1 12 13 Eleven captured on picket. Company D 1 2 3 11th South Carolina Infantry 4 15 2 21 One report has 8 wounded. Company B. 1s~ Battalion South Caro 1 7 2 10 Strength, 42. lina Sharpshooters (Captain Ails- tons) - Nelsons Battalion (Captain Sligh) 4 17 21 Beaufort Light Artillery 1 13 14 One report has 14 wounded. Nelson Light Artillery (Virginia, 4 14 18 One report has 15 wounded. Captain [if. N.] Lamkin). Charleston Light Dragoons 8 8 Partisan Rangers (Kirks) 1 2 - 3 7th South Carolina Battalion (In 3 22 25 fantry). 3d South Carolina Cavalry 5 1 6 Company B (Marion Men of Comba. 1 4 1 6 (Whether the numbers reported in hee, Captain Ileyward). the regiment are intended to cover Company D (Captain Howard) 2 2 casualties of Companies B and ID does not appear from the sheets on file.) Sn-ength Company B, 55. Total 21~ 124 18 163 No. 20. Report of Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Miii. tary District of South Carolina. IIDQRs. THIRD MILITARY DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Pocotaligo, S. C., November 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that about 9 oclock on the morning of October 22 I was informed by my pickets that the enemy were landing in force at Mackays Point from twelve gunboats and transports. I was notified at the same time that they were ascending the Coosawliatchie River with four transports. The command was immediately ordered under arms to march to Old Pocotaligo. I moved in advance to the tele- graph office and made the following disposition of my forces: The La- fayette Artillery (four pieces), under Lieutenant [L. F.] Le Bleux, and a section of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, under Lieut. II. M. Stuart, were ordered to Coosawhatchie, a town it, miles distant from my headquarters in McPhersonville and 5 from Old Pocotaligo. Captain [B. ~I Wymans company [Company F, Eleventh South Carolina Vol- unteers], stationed near Coosawhatchie, and five other companies of the Eleventh Regiment Infantry, from ilardeeville, were ordered to support this artillery. Colonel Colcocks colnmand of five companies of cavalry and two companies of sharpshooters had been recently notified to ex- pect an attack at Coosawhatchie, and in that event were instructed to move to its support. Major [Ii. Jj Jeffords [of Seventeenth South Carolina Cavalry Battalion] command of three companies of cavalry was ordered from Green Pond to the Salkehatchie Bridge. With th Page 181 Cxi& r. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, 5. C., ETC. 181 blessing of a good Providence these combinations of my forces, scat- tered over an extent of 60 miles, were effected in time to foil the enemy. I also telegraphed to General Beauregards headquarters, to Brigadier- General ilagood, commanding Second Military District, and to Briga- dier-General Mercer, at Savannah, for re-enforcements, requesting those from Charleston to disembark at Pocotaligo and those from Savannah at Coosawbatchie. Capt. W. L. Trenholm, who was in command of the outposts, consisting of two companies (his Rutledge Mounted Riflemen and Captain [M. J.] Kirks Partisan Rangers), was ordered to with- draw the main body of the pickets, only leaving a few imj)ortant l)osts gnarded. The force with which I first engaged the enemy consisted of two sections of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery and the Nelson Light Artillery, eight pieces, under the command of Capt. Stephen Elliott; the Charleston Light Dragoons, Capt. B. II. Rutledge First [Fourteenth on register] Battalion (cavalry), Major [J. H.] Morgan; Capt. D. B Heywards company of cavalry; Captain Kirks Partisan Rangers; Cap- tain [J. B.] Alistons company of sharpshooters, and Captain [A. C.] Izards company (I), of the Eleventh Regiment Infantry, Lient. W. L. Campbell commanding; number, in all, 475. As one-fourth of the cav- alry were horse-holders, the force actually engaged was reduced to 405 men. The force of the enemy was represented by prisoners and con- firmed by the statement of negroes who had crossed Port Royal Ferry to the main-land on that day and been captured, to be seven regiments, one of which, I judge, went to Coosawbatchie. I sent in advance a section of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, sup- ported by Captain Allstons sharpshooters and two companies of cavalry under Major Morgan, to skirmish with the enemy, while I took position on the Mackays Point road, near Dr. Ilutsons residence, at a salt marsh skirted by woods on both sides and crossed by .a causeway. After a short encounter with the enemy (in which Major Morgan, while at the head of his command, was severely wounded in the ankle) my advance force retired in good order to the main position. The Beaufort Artillery was posted in and near the road commanding the causeway, and the Nelson Artillery in an open field in the rear of the line of skirmishers, and screened from the enemy by the trees in front. A dropping fire of infantry first commenced ,wliich was soon swelled by their artillery. Owing to the close proximity of the trees fringing the other side of the swamp I found that my artillery was suffering severely in men and - horses, and accordingly, after holding my groun(l for three-quartems of an hour, I determined to withdraw to a second position 24- miles in i-ear. This was done in good order, Captain Allstor?s sharpshooters and part of Company I, Eleventh Infantry, covering our retreat and behaving for the most part with great spirit. At the head of the road I was joined by Captain Trenholm with the larger portion of his company and Captain Kirks. I assigned the command of the cavalry to him, and ordered my whole force to move back across Pocotaligo bridge and take up a position among the houses andscattered trees of the hamlet. The arthiery was placed in position to command the bridge and causeway, the Charleston Light Dragoons being held in reserve~ The bridge was ordered to be torn up, and this was scarcely done when the enemy appeared in sight and commenced a continuous and rapid fire of musketry and rifled guns. Lieutenant [F. T.] Massie, of the Nelson Artillery, could bring only one piece of his battery into action, owing to the original smallness of his company, now greatly reduced by death and wounds. Two pieces of the Beaufort Artillery were silenced by the disabling of the gunners; the remaining two kept up a fire to the close of the fight. The enemy Page 182 182 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CnM?. XXVI. artillery was entirely silenced and withdrawn early in the action. One piece of the Beanfort Artillery was most j udiciously withdrawn during the battle and posted 300 yards on my right, nnder Sergeant-Major Fuller. It was retired by a cross-road, unseen by the enemy, and had all the effect of a re-enforcement from its new and unexpected position. It fired spherical case and the practice was excellent. At the crisis of the fight I ordered up the Charleston Light Dragoons. That gallant corps came forward with an inspiriting shout and took position on my left, which wanted strengthening. I had been notified by telegraph that re-enforcements were on the way from Charleston and Savannah and Adams Run. The Nelsoii [Seventh Sonth Carolina] Battalion, of 200 men, Captain [W. II.] Sligh [Company C] commanding, was the only re-enforcement that arrived in time for the fight, about an hour and a half before its close. As soon as this corps made its appearance near the field I ordered one half to a position commanding a canseway some 600 yards on my right to pro- tect my flank and the remainder was deployed to the front to relieve my exhausted men. The arrival of this battalion gave me assurance of victory. I felt perfectly certain of success. The two companies sent to my right under Captain [J. II.] Brooks [Company II, Seventh South Carolina Battalion] were well handled; one was deployed as skirmish. ers and was subjected to a scattering fire. Their appearance threatened the enemys flank and no doubt hastened his retreat. The enemy con- tinned their fire until 6 p. in., when it slackened and ceased. I then sent a squad of 6 men of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen over the bridge to ascertain the position of the enemy. The bridge was in so damaged a condition that it was some time before the infantry could cross. The cavalry were obliged to make a circuit of 5 fniles to reach the head of the road by which the enemy had retreated. This enabled them to retire unmolested. As soon as the cavalry arrived I sent two companiesSecond Lient. L. J.Walker, comniandingRutledge Mounted Riflemen, and Captain Kirks Partisan Rangersto follow up the re- treat. I was reluctant to send a larger force, as I did not know the result of the contest at Coosawhatchie, and, from the telegraph wire being cut, was fearful it was disastrous to our arms. A locomotive was dispatched from Pocotaligo Station by my aide, Mr. R. M. Fuller, and 2 couriers by myself, to that point to reconnoiter, while I held my force at the junction of the Mackays Point and Coosawhatchie roads, re ad~ to operate either way. The cavalry companies had proceeded but 54~ miles in pursuit when they were stopped by a bridge completely torn up and destroyed by the enemy in their flight. This could not be re- paired until morning. There were abundant evidences that the retreat of the enemy was precipitate and disordered; 100 small-arms were picked up and a considerable amount of stores and ammunition. The road was strewn with the debris of the beaten foe. Forty-six. of the enemyS dead were found on the battle-field and road-side. Seven fresh graves were discovered at Mackays Point. I estimate their total killed aIl(l wounded at 300. The fight, from the first fire ~f our advance to the final retreat of the enemy, lasted from 11.30 a. m. to 6 p. m. We had ample reason to believe that our small force not only fought against great odds, but against fresh troops brought up to replace those first engaged. The entire command had been earnestly warned in orders not to waste their fire. This caution was urged upon them during the action by the comn- manding officer, his aides, and the company officers. I am satisfied from my own observation they fired with care and judgment, and ye Page 183 CHAr. XXVI.] SKIRMISh AT COOSAWIIATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 183 some of our men expended 80 rounds of cartridges in the battle. The close vicinity of the ordnance train, under its energetic chief, Capt. W. W. Elliott, enabled me to keep up the supply. I beg to express my admiration of the remarkable conrage and tenacity with which the troops held their ground. The announcement of my determination to maintain my position until re-enforcements arrived seemed to fix them to the spot with unconquerable resolution. The rapid and continuous volleys of the enemys musketry were only intermitted while fresh troops were being brought up and while those engaged were retired. The Beaufort Volunteer Artillery fought with great courage and their pieces were admirably served. Capt. Stephen Elliott, whose name is identified with the history of the defense of this coast by many a daring exploit, behaved with his accustomed coolness, skill, and determination. Captain Trenholm, in command of the cavalry, again exhibited high qualities as a soldier on the same ground where he had won his first laurels. Captain Edwards, Company B, First Battalion (cavalry), showed good conduct in the command of his company. Lieutenant Walker, commanding the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, displayed judgment and daring. His company were as steady as vet- erans, nsing their rifles with great precision and effect. When the battle was hottest I ordered Lieutenant Walker to take a squad of his men and assist the Beaufort Artillery to remove one of their pieces farther to the rear. This was most gallantly done under a very severe fire. Lieutenant Massie, of the Nelson Light Artillery, was active and energetic in the service of his guns. Captain Rutledge, of the Charleston Light Dragoons, was cool and collected in both fights. His gallant corps was held in reserve, and when they took up their position came with a most inspiriting cheer, which the men engaged returned, thus giving the impression to the enemy of decided re-enforcements. The Government is greatly indebted to Captain Sligh and his brave battalion for their timely aid. Captain Sligh behaved with marked coolness and courage. Captain and Lieutenant , * who came immediately under my notice, showed zeal and bravery. I have again to commend the conduct of Lient. R. M. Skinner, acting adjutant of the First Battalion (cavalry). He was among the foremost on the field until disabled by a severe wound in the arm. Inclosed is Colonel Colcocks report of the engagement of Coosaw- hatchie. It will be seen that his command behaved with spirit and success. The most important point to defend was the railroad bridg& over the Coosawhatchie River. From this the enemy were very quickly driven by our artillery fire, but they succeeded in penetrating to a point on the railroad west of the bridge before the cavalry arrived, one or two rails only being torn up and the telegraph wire cut. The damage was Tepaired in a very few minutes. After the enemy had retired to their gunboats the cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel [T. II.] Johnson, fired with effect upon their crowded decks. To the following gentlemen, acting as my personal staff, I desire to * The names of these officers, though repeatedly requested, have not yet been learned. The commanding officer of the battalion has received instructions to fer~ ward them to department headquarters.W. S. W Page 184 184 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [ORAL. XXVI. express 11113 thanks for their zeal, gallantry, and intelligent discharge of duty: Captain [II. J.] llartstene, C. S. Nayy, naval aide; Capt. W. W. Elliott, ordnance officer; Capts. George P. Elliott and John [ll.j Screven, Corpi. D. Walker, and Privates Fripp and Martin, of the Rut- ledge Mounted Riflemen, and E. B. Bell, of the Seventeenth Battalion (cavalry) South Carolina Volunteers. Privates F. F. Davant and Ion. Simons, of the Charleston Light Dragoons, had their horses shot and afterwards fought with their com- pany on foot. My aide, Mr. R. M. Fuller, rendered valuable service by the intelli- gent discharge of his duty at the telegraph office. The Messrs. Cuth- bertfather and songave me useful assistance. Privates Fripp and Bell were seriously and Private Martin slightly wounded. Captain llartstenes horse was wounded and Corporal Walkers killed. The judgment, coolness, and gallantry displayed by Captain llartstene were as conspicuous cn land as he has hitherto shown on sea. I must express my indebtedness to Mr. Buckhalter, of the Charles- ton and Savannah Railroad, for valuable services and for the resolu- tion and courage with which he urged a train filled with troops, after the engineer had been killed, through an ambuscade of the enemy to Coosawhatchie. When the engagement was over ample re-enforcements arrived from Savannah and Charleston. The enemys gunboats remained in a coni- mandiug position off Mackays Point on the 23d, covering their embar- kation. My force could not be moved nearer than 2 miles without being exposed to a destructive fire. A detachment of cavalry, under Captain Trenholm, closely watched their operations, occasionally saluted by their shells. On the night of the 23d Sergeant Robinson, of the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen, made a reconnaissance up to the extreme point, and discovered that the enemy had abandoned the utain-land. Early on the morning of the 24th their gunboats had disappeared. I inclose a list * cf the casualties and a sketch t of the positions at which the different conflicts took place. I have the honor to be, very respe~tfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Ohief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 21. Report of Capt. W. W. Elliott, C. S. Army, Ordnance Officer Third Mili tary District of South Carolina. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Pocotaligo, S. C., November 17, 1862. GENERAL: I respectfully beg leave to submit a report of ammunition captured from the enemy on October 22 at the battle of Yemassee and Pocotaligo: * Not found. * Not found, but see Report No. 19, p. 180 Page 185 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 185 Nineteen rifle (3-inch) shells, loose; 5 boat-howitzer case~ of which No. I contains 14 rifle (3-inch) shells for 6-pounders; No. 2 contains 14 rounds fixed shot for 6-pounders; No. 3 contains 2 canisters (12-pound), 9 cartridges [and] 1 12-pound shot; No.4 contains 3 canisters (12-pound), 2 6-pound shell and 1 6-pound sho; No.5 contains 4 canisters (12-pound), 2 12-pound spherical-case, [and] 1 6-pound shell. Also 46 rifles and muskets of different make and caliber, some of which have been issued in the place of those injured in the fight by our own men. I certify the above to be a correct statement. Very respectfully, ~. W. ELLIOTT, Ordnance Officer of Third Military District. Brig. Gen. W. S. WALKER. No. 22. Reports of Got. 0. J. Golcock, 0. 5. Army, Third South Garolina Gavairy. G-RAHAMYILLE, S. C., November 4, 1862. Sin: A little after 9 oclock on the morning of October 22 it was re- ported to me unofficially that about daylight that morning the Aboli- tion fleet, consisting of fonrteen steamers, with numerous barges at- tached, had proceeded np Broad River. Prostrated by a protracted spell of fever, from which I had just begun to convalesce, I was too weak to take the field, but resumed the command of my post. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson to take command of the small force at my disposal, which consisted, as you are aware, of five companies of cav- alry and two companies of sharpshooters, of Major [Joseph] Abneys battalion [Pirst Battalion South Carolina Sharpshooters], who was in command, and to proceed with the least possible delay toward Coosaw- hatchie, to which point I was informed that a portion of the enemys fleet was advancing. On arriving at Bees Creek Hill, 4 miles from Coosawhatchie, Colonel Johnson was informed that a portion of the Abolition forces was land- ing at Seabrook Island, in his rear, a point which indicated an attack upon this place. To meet this he had to divide his command and leave three companies in the vicinity of Bees Creek Hill. This information was subsequently ascertained t. be incorrect, but too late to make use of these forces in the defense of Coosawhatchie. Proceeding with three companies of cavalry toward that point, upon arriving within 2 miles of it he ascertained that the enemy had already landed from a gunboat and barges lying a little below the ocean landing, and was advancing his column toward the direction of Bees Creek Hill. Lie immediately dismounted his men and formed them as skirmishers to meet the cx- l)ected attack. This movement, however, was only a feint, as they soon about-faced and ad~ auced toward Coosawhatchie. The ground being unfavorable for a chargethe effect of which would have neces- sarily been attended with severe loss to the cavalry, with a prospect of little injury to the enemy Colonel Johnson very judiciously made a detour to the left, hoping to cut them off before they reached Coosaw- hatchie. About this time the train, with a portion of Colonel [D. H.] Ellis [Eleventh South Carolina] regiment and Captain [Robert] Chisolm Page 186 186 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. company~ of Major Abneys battalion, which had been taken up within a short distance of Coosawliatchie as they were marching along the railroad track toward that point, passed by. The enemy hearing their approach for some distance (the two roads here rnnning parallel and very close to each other) availed themselves of the opportunity to am- buscade and fire into the train. The particulars of this disastrons affair I will not refer to, as I sup- pose a full report of all the circumstances will be made by the officer in command of that detachment, who succeeded the late unfortunate Major [J. J.] llarrisoii. it seems that on arriving near Coosawhatchie the enemy divided into two detachments, one of which ambuscaded the train, as above referred to, and the other advanced to the river, for the purpose of destroying the railroad and turnpike bridges. With timely forethought you had fortunately dispatched at an early hour that morning for their protec- tion the Lafayette Artillery, Lieutenant Le Bleux commanding, and a section of Captain Elliotts battery, Lieutenant Stuart commanding. These, supported by Captain Wymans company of infantry, most gal- lantly repulsed the enemy in their attack on the bridges and drove them in confusion toward their other detachment, which, beyond the range of our artillery, had succeeded in cutting the telegraph wire and displacing a couple of rails on the track. About this time the cavalry, which had to make a considerable de- tour over very unfavorable ground, made its appearance, and the enemy beat a hasty retreat, the cavalry pursuing. Unfortunately the enemy had taken the precaution in advancing of destroying all the bridges, which so retarded the propress of the cavalry as to prevent their cut- ting off tlieir retreat to their gunboat and barges. Disappointed in this object, Colonel Johnson dismounted his men, and deploying them as skirmishers, advanced to within about 130 yards of the gunboat, where, under the protection of a few trees, they poured three volleys from their rifles into the crowded decks and barges of the enemy, which must have done considerable execution. The companies composing this detach- i~ ent consisted of Capt. J. II. Howards [company, D], A. B. Estes [company, E], (under t he immediate command of Lieutenant [W. B.] Peeples), an d Capt. George C. Heywards [company, G]. I~ecovering from their surprise, the enemy opened a terrific fire of grape, shell, and musketry, in which they were assisted by two of their gunboats stationed half a mile lower down the river, under whose enfilading fire our small force had to fall back. In this affair I regret to inform you we lost Private Thomas B. Fripp,. of Captain ileywards compa1~iy, who fell mortally wounded, shot iu tJuee places; as gallant a soldier and true-hearted gentleman as ever fell a martyr in defending the cause of liberty. First Licut. T. G. Buck- ner, of Captain Howards company, was also severely, but I hope not mortally, wounded in the abdomen, amA Corpl. Thomas Parr, of the same company, received a flesh wound in the thigh, from which I aum happy to say he is rapidly recovering. That the casualties were not greater I can only attribute to the interposition of a merciful Provi- dence, who protects those fighting in a righteous cause. For the cas- ualties occurring in Major Abney~s command I refer you to that officers report, which you will find herewith inclosed.* The enemys boats retired immediately after the skirmish, leaving in their hasty retreat one of their splendid barges, capable of transporting *Not found Page 187 CRAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT COOSAWHATCHIE, S. C., ETC. 187 70 or 80 men. The next morning not a sign of the Abolition fleet was to be seen in the npper waters of Broad River. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. J. COLCOCK, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. E. II. BARNwELL Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GRAHAMYILLE, 5. C., November 11, 1862. SIR: Two honrs after this train passed Grahamville another train arrived from Savannah with the Thirty-second and Georgia Regi- ments, under the command of the gallant Colonel [George P.] Harrison ~jr.]. Unfortunately they arrived at Coosawhatchie after the enemy had retired, and thus were denied the pleasure, which they seemed ear- nestly to desire, of having a brush with the Abolitionists. In making my official report of the incidents of October 22 last I omitted to mention the arrival of the re-enforcements from Georgia. If not too late to be embraced in General Walkers official report I will thank you. to insert the above paragraph immediately after that com- mencing, The particulars of this disastrous affair I will not refer ~ & c. Yours, very respectfully, ~. ~. COLCOCK, Colonel, Commanding Post. Lient. E. II. BARNWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 23. Report of Col. Claudius C. Wilson, C. S. Army, Twenty-fifth Georgia Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FORCES NEAR CARSTONS BLUFF, October 24, 1862. CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from General Mercer the Twenty- fifth and Thirtieth Regiments were at the depot of the Charleston Rail- road at 12 oclock Wednesday night. We were detained at the depot a little time, perhaps two hours, waiting for the train to be prepared. The superintendent of transportation of the road stated that he had expected the train which -had carried Colonel Harrisons command to carry us. This train having bee:i detained caused the delay. On arriving at Grahamville I received a note from Colonel Colcock, commanding at that point, stating that Colonel Harrison and his com- mand were safe at Coosawhatchie and that the enemys boats were retir- ing toward Broad River, and advising me to proceed to Coosawliatchie, and my trains to be prepared to move to any point where the attack might be renewed. We proceeded to Coosawhatchie accordingly, arriv- ing about 8 oclock a. in. on Thursday. The forces at that point were Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, Thirty-second, and Forty-seventh Regiments; six companies of South Carolina Infantry; La Fayette Artillery, four guns; TcrrellArtillery, four guns, and a section of the BeanfortArtillery. From the best information I could obtain but a small force of the Abol- itionists approached Coosawhatchic, not more probably than a fe Page 188 188 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MIt). ANI) EAST FLA. [CIIAI. XXVI. companies. This force reached the railroad about half a mile this side of Coosawhatchie on Wednesday, about 4 oclock p. in., just as the train from Jiar(leeville, containing th~ Eleventh South Carolina Regiment, came along. They fired into this train, liii hug Major harrison, Elev- enth South Carolina Regiment, the fireman on the train, and wounding the engineer. This train passed on rapidly, and the A bolitionists pro- ceeded to cut down two telegraph posts and to take up four rails of the road. Before they had time to do any further injury, however, they took fright either at the noise of Colonel Harrisons train al)proaching or of a few horsemen oii the road in their rear, and left for their boats, tearing up all the bridges behind them on the road leading from Bees Creek. A negro oii the train of the Eleventh South Carolina Regiment jumj)ed off at the time it was fired into and back on the railroad going met Colonel Harrisons train and informed Colonel Harrison of the at- tack. Being advised of the state of affiuirs. Colonel Harrison advanced cautiously to the l)oint where the rails were taken, repaired the road, and reached Coosawhatchie about 9 p. in. On arriving at Coosawhatchie, being the senior officer present, I as- suined command of the forces assembled there, and proceded at once to reconnoiter the position, to strengthen pickets already thrown out, and to cover all the approaches with small outposts. Orders were then ]ssued prescribing the order of formation in case of attack, the point for assembling, appointing a field officer of the day, and making such disposi- tions as seemed necessary to prevent confusion in case of an alarm. No further demonstrations were made, however, by the Abolitionists, and on yesterday morning all the gunboats had retired from Coosawhatchie River. On receiving orders yesterday to return I turned the command over to Lieutenant-Colonel Gantt, Eleventh South Carolina Infantry, and have now the honor to report that the entire Georgia forces re- turned yesterday without casualty, and are now in their several camps. I am, captain, your obedient servant, C. C. WILSON, Colonel, Comdg. Re-enforcements from Georgia at Coosawhatchie. Capt. GEORGE A. MERGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 24. Report of Lieut. B. B. Jefferson, C. S. Army, Nelson Light Artillery (Virginia). CAiw~ Asliny, S. C., October 24, 1862. CAPTAIN: Below please find report of the losses of Captain Lainkins battery, Nelson Light Artillery, in the two battles of the 22d instant :* We have but 17 sound horses left. We lost but one caisson, from the team running away with the limber early in the action and breaking it, the Yankees bnrning the rear chests and axle. One of our pieces and limber was struck sixteen times, an other fourteen times. Splinter-bar of one caisson nearly broken in two by a shell, a ball through the chests, * Nominal list shows 4 men killed and 2 officers (Lieutenants Jefferson and F. T. Massie) and 14 men wounded Page 189 CHAP. XXvI.J EXPEDITION ALONG COASTS GA. AND E. PLA. 189 and several wheels injured. We had other men slightly injured, but as they are on duty I did not think it necessary to report them. Very respectfully, yours, E. E. JEFFERSON, First Lieutenant, Oomdg. Nelson Light Arty., Va. Vole. Capt. A. G. TALLEY, Acting Adjutant. OCTOBER 24, 1862.Affair on Saint Helena Island, S. C. Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. BEAIJFORT, S. C., October 26, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Friday last two boat loads of rebels attempted to land on Saint Helena Island, ana were fired on and driven off by the negro pickets. The people there are somewhat alarmed. I respectfully request that a picket guard of a non-commissioned officer and 12 men be sent there to give confidence to the people. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. SAXTON, Brigadier- Genera4 Volunteers. Major-General MITOnEL. NOVEMBER 310, 1862.Expedition along the coasts of Georgia and East Florida. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eightli New York Infantry, commanding expedition. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gem. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. BEAUFORT, S. C., November 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inclose, for your information, the report of an expedition which I sent on the steamer Darlington up the rivers and lagoons on the coasts of Georgia and Florida between Saint Simons Island and Fernandina: The expedition was composed of Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers; Rev. Mansfield French, chaplain, U. S. Army, and Captain Trowbridge, with his company (A), of the First South Car- olina Volunteers (colored). I had two objects in view in sending this expedition. The first was to prove the fighting qualities of the negroes (which some have doubted), and the other was to bring away the people from the main-land, destroy all rebel salt-works, and to break up the rebel picket stations along the line of the coast. I am happy to report that in every point of view the expeditio Page 190 190 COASTS or S. cx, GA., AND MID. ANfl EAST rLA. [cu~r. XXVI. was a perfect success. Ilarely in the progress of this war has so much mischief been done by so small a force in so short a space of time. Thirteen different landings were made. The pickets in every case were driven in, the salt-works destroyed, and all the work finished up before the enemy could collect a sufficient force to overpower our men. It is admitted upon all hands that the negroes fought with a cool- liess and bravery that would have done credit to veteran soldiers. There was no excitement, no flinching, no attempt at cruelty when successful. They seemed like men who were fighting to vindicate their manhood an(l they did it well. I trust that you will appreciate the importance of this little effort of the First South Carolina Volunteers. It seems to me one of the im- portant events of the warone that will carry terror to the hearts of the rebels. It discloses an objective point where the hardest blow can be dealt against this rebellion. This whole coast is intersected by bays, lagoons, and rivers, which are navigable by light. draught steamers, in some instances, for more than 100 miles up into the heart of the richest part of the Southern country. I would propose to have a number of light-draught steamers have them well armed and barricaded against rifle~shots, and place upon each one a company of 100 black soldiers. These are better than white soldiers for this service, on account of the greater facility with which they can effect landings through the marshes and thick woods which line the banks of the streams. Each boat should be supplied with an abundance of spare muskets and ammunition, to put in the hands of the recruits as they come in. These boats should then go up the streams, land at the different plantations, drive in the pickets, and capture them, if possible. The blowing of the steamers whistle the negroes all understand as a signal to come in, and no sooner do they hear it than they come in from every direction. In case the enemy arrives in force at any landing we have either to keep him at a proper distance with shells or quietly move to some other point and repeat the same operation long before he can arrive with his forces by land. In this way we could very soon have complete occupation of the whole country. Indeed I can see no limit to which ohr successes might not be pushed up to the entire occupation of States or their occupation by a large portion of the rebel army. I consider that your instructions to me cover this whole ground; but in my present l)Osi- tion I am utterly powerless to do anything. It was with extreme diffi- culty that I obtained the services of the Darlington from the military department for this one expedition, and I know not when I can again procure her services. I can procure no supplies of ordnance or medical stores without an order from the commanding general, and if he thinks diffk~reutly, or does not choose to give theni to me, I am helpless. I make no complaint of this; it is proper that the commanding general should control the supplies; but all this routine, nevertheless, ties my hands and renders it utterly useless for me to attempt to carry out this great plan. 1 am conviuced that it can only be (lone successfully by the oue who has absolute control of the means of transportation and supplies. [therefore beg leave to recommend that this duty be assigned to the military commander of the department, and that he be iastructed to carry out a plan which, in my humble opinion, will, if carried out ~roper1y, save the country a vast amqunt of life and treasure and do much to break down this rebellion. I have also to report that the First IRegiment of South Carolina Volunteers is filling up rapidly550 are already enrolled. More tha Page 191 d1~A1. XXVLI EXPEDITION ALONG COASTS GA. AWl) E. FLAW 191 1,000 able-bodied negroes are now in the employ of the Eiig~neer and Quartermasters Departments. Were I to enlist from these I could fill up the regiment in one day; but I have thus far abstained from any interference with these departments. The steamer Darlington was captured from the rebels by the Navy and was subsequently transferrcd4o the Quartermasters DepartmenL She returned from the expedition completely riddled with rifle balls~ Fortunately but 4 of our men were wounded. Great credit is due to Colonel Beard, Mr. French, and Captain Trow- bridge for their bravery and skill in managing the expedition. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, B. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. Hon. E. iVi. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Gol. Oliver Eli. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition. BEAUFORT, S. C~, November 10, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, as directed by you, I have tried a portion of the First South Carolina Volunteers (negro regiment). On Monday, November 3, with the steamer iDarlington, having on board Captain Trowbridges company of colored troops (62) I proceeded up Bell River, Florida, drove in the rebel pickets below Coopers, and destroyed their place of rendezvous; thence proceeded and destroyed the salt-works, and all the salt, corn, and wagons which we could not carry away, besides killing the horses; thence we proceeded to Jolly River, and destroyed two salt-works, with a large amount of salt and corn; thence proceeded to Saint Marys, and brought off two families of contrabands, after driving in the enemy~s pickets. On Tuesday, November 4, I proceeded to Kings Bay, Georgia, and destroyed a large salt-work on a creek about a mile from the landing, together with all the property on the place. Here we were attacked by about 80 of the enemy, of whom we killed 2. On Thursday, November 6, landed on Butler Island and brought off 80 bushels of rice; also landed at Darien and captured 3 prisoners and some arms. Friday, November 7, accompanied by the gunboat Potomska, Lieu- tenant Budd commanding, proceeded up Sapello River. The gunboat could proceed no farther than Kings. Lieutenant Budd came on board the Darlington and proceeded up the river with us to Fairhope. At Spauldings we were attacked by 80 or 90 of the enemy, who were well posted on a bluff behind trees. At this point the channel runs within 50 yards of the bluff. We killed 2 of the enemy and had 1 colored man wounded. At Fairhope we destroyed the salt-works, some tan-vats, corn, and other things that might be of use to the enemy. On return past Spauldings we were again attacked by the enemy in greater force. We effected a lauding and burned all the buildings on the place and captured some arms, & c. Five of the enemy were killed Page 192 192 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AN!) MID. AND EAST FLA. [CRAP XXVI. we lost 3 wounded. We were greatly aided here by the Potomska, which from a bend below shelled the woods. Under the guns of the Potomska we landed at Colonel Brailsfords, drove in a company of pickets from his regiment, and destroyed all the property on the place, together with the most important buildings. I am greatly indebted to Lientena~t Bndd for the success of this day. The colored men fought with astonishing coolness and bravery. For alacrity in effecting landings, for determination, and for bush fighting I fonnd them all 1 could desiremore than I ha4 hoped. They be- haved bravely, gloriously, and deserve all praise. I started from Saint Simons with 62 colored fighting men and re- turned to Beaufort with 156 fighting men (all colored). As soon as we took a slave from his claimant we placed a musket in his hand and he began to fight for the freedom of others. Besides these men we brought off 61 women and children. We de- stroyed nine large salt-works, together with $20,OO() worth of horses, salt, corn, rice, & c., which we could not carry away. I am, very respectfully, your obedienV servant, 0. T. BEARD, Lieut. Got. Forty-eighth New York Vols., Gomdg. Expedition. Brig. Gen. RUFUS SAXTON, Military Governor, Department of the South. NOVEMBER 1318, 1862.Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., to Doboy River, Ga. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. BEAUFORT, S. C., November 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inclose for your information the report of our expedition to Doboy River, Georgia: The expedition was composed of three companies of the First South Carolina Volunteers (colored), under the command of Lieat. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and was in every respect a success. It gives me pleasure to bear witness to the good conduct of the negro troops. They fought with the most determined bravery. Although scarcely one mouth since the organization of this regiment was com- menced,in that short period these untrained soldiers have captured from the enemy an amount of property equal in value to the cost of the regiment for a year. They have driven back equal numbers of rebel troops, and have destroyed the salt-works along the whole line of this coast Page 193 (~rJAI. XXVI.] EXPEDITION TO DOBOY RIVER, GA. 193 Great credit is due to Lieutenant-Colonel Beard for his energy and skill in the management of this expedition. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. SAXTOX, Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Ko. 2. Report of Lieut. Got. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition. BEAIIPORT, S. C., November 22, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, as directed by you, I pro- ceeded on the 13th instant, on the U. S. steamer iDarlington, with 160 of the First South Carolina Volunteers (colored regiment), in quest of lumber and other articles needed for the department. The steamer Ben De Ford, ordered by you to report to me at Doboy Sound, did not, owing to the heavy fogs and adverse winds, reach that poiut until the 19th instant. On the 18th, accompanied by the U. S. gunboat Madgie, I proceeded. to the mills located on Doboy River, Georgia. On reaching the mills I fonnd it necessary to reconnoiter the land adjacent thereto. To do this it was necessary to cross a narrow causeway, leading from the mill through a swamp to the main highland, a distance of about 450 yards. This highland was heavily wooded, except on the summit, which was cleared and occupied with houses. My men (34 in number) had no sooner passed across the causeway and through the wood to the clear- ing beyond than they were fired on by the enemy, who were posted in the thicket in front and on both sides. At the first fire one man was damin- gerously wounded and a momentary panic seized the men; but it was only momentary. They speedily rallied and opened a brisk fire on the places occupied by the concealed enemy. This fire they kept up with great regularity and coolness until ordered by me to retire to the end of the causeway. They retired, firing as they went with a slowness and deliberateness that could not have been surpassed by veteran troops. Three others were severely wounded while they were retiring. When my men reached the end of the causeway I had the bow gun of the IDarliugton directed on the wood, after which the fire of the enemy ceased, though numbers of them were seen during the two days and nights we remained. I succeeded in loading the steamers Ben De Ford and IDarlington with from 200,000 to 300,~J00 feet of superior boards and planks, besides securing a number of circular and other saws, belting, corn-mills, and other property, which I was directed by ~OLI to obtain for the use of your department. When it is remembered that these men never had arms in their hands until four days before they started on the expedition I think you can- not fail to give themil great praise for standing a galling fire from a con- cealed enemy so bravely and for holding the causeway referred to dur- ing the two days and uiights require(1 for loadiuig two large steamers with valuable l)roperty in the face of ai} enemy. To do this, my men 13 R RYOL XI Page 194 194 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST lLA. [CHAP. XXVt worked day and night without intermission; and, though short of pro- visions, I heard not a murmur. On the last expedition the fact was developed that colored men would fight behind barricades; this time they have proved, by their heroism, that they will fight in the open field. Captain Trowbridge aided me greatly. Captain Crandel, of the Dar- lington, I found a trifling, childish pest. Captain Meriam, of the gun- boat Madgie, rendered me valuable assistance. I cannot forbear to make honorable mention of Captain llallett, of the Ben Dc Ford. With a man of less nerve and less capacity I would not have dared to take so large a steamer to such a place, hence I could not have obtained so valuable a cargo. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. T. BEARD, Lieutenant- Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers. Brig. Gen. RUFUS SAXTON, U. S. Vols., Mit. Coy., Dept. of the South. JANUARY 23FEBRUARY 1, 1863.Expedition from Beaufort, S. C.,up the Saint Marys River, in Georgia and Florida. REPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Ar my. No. 2.Col. T. W. Higginson, First South Carolina Infantry (Union). No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton. BEAIJFORT, S. C., February 2, 1863. Siu: I have the honor to forward for your information the report of Col. T. W. Higginson, First South Carolina Volunteers, of an expedi- tiou made by a portion of his regiment up the Saint Marys River, in Georgia and Florida. It gives me pleasure to report that the expedition accomplished every object I had in view in sen(hing it and was a complete success. Great credit is due to Colonel Iligginson for his bravery and skilPin penetrat- ing so far into the interior of a country filled with a wary, active foe, with so small a force. It foreshadows clearly the very important ad- vantages which might result to our cause by the extensive arming of the blacks. I am laboring diligently toward this end in this depart- ment, but the limited extent of our lines renders it impossible for them to get to me iii any very great numbers. The establishment of posts on the main-land would, enable them to do so. No one knows better than the traitors now in arms against our Government the greatelement of strength which the cause of liberty and the Union has in the hearts and muscles of these loyal blacks. In my humble opinion it would be no misapplication of the best .energies of the Government should they now be directed toward the arming and disciplining of every one that can be brought within our lines. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 195 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION UP ST. MARYS RIVER. 195 No. 2. Report of Gol. I. W. fligginson, First South Carolina Infantry (Union).* ON BOARD STEAMER BEN PE FORD, February 1, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the safe return of the expedi- tion under my command, consisting of 46~ officers and men of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, who left Beaufort on January 23, on board the steamers John Adams, Planter, and Ben De Ford: The expedition has carried the regimental flag and the Presidents proclamation far into the interior of Georgia and Florida. The men have been repeatedly under fire have had infantry, cavalry, and even artillery arrayed against them, and have in every instance come off not only with unblemished honor, but with undisputed triumph. At Township, Fla., a detachment of the expedition fought a cavalry company which met it unexpectedly on a midnight march through pine woods and which completely snrrounded us. They were beaten off, with a loss on our part of 1 man killed and 7 wounded, while the oppos- ing party admits 12 men killed, including Lieutenant Jones, in com- mand of the company, besides many wounded. So complete was our victory that the enemy scattered and hid in the woods all night, not venturing back to his camp, which was 5 miles distant, until noon next day, a flict which was unfortunately unknown until too late to follow up our advantage. Had I listened to the urgent appeals of my men and pursued the fleeing enemy we could have destroyed his camp; but in view of the darkness, his uncertain numbers, and swifter motions, with your injunctions of caution, I judged it better to rest satisfied with the victory already gained. On another occasion a detachment of about 250 men, on board the John Adams, fought its way 40 miles up and down a river regarded by the naval commanders as the most dangerous in the departmentthe Saint Marysa river left untraversed by our gunboats for many months, as it requires a boat built like the John Adams to ascend it successfully. The stream is narrow, swift, winding, and bordered at many places with high bluffs, which blazed with rifle-shots. With our glasses, as we ap- proached these points, we could see mounted men by the hundred gal- loping through the woods from point to point to await us, and though fearful of our shot and shell, they were so daring against musketry that one rebel actually sprang from the shore upon the large boat which was towed at our stern, where he wa~ shot down by one of my sergeants. We could see our shells scatter the rebels as they fell among them, and some terrible execution must have been done, but not a man of this regiment was killed or wounded, though the steamer is covered with bullet-marks, one of which shows where our brave Captain Clifton, com- mander of the vessel, fell dead beside his own pilot-house, shot through the brain by a Minie ball. Major Strong, who stood beside him, escaped as if by magic, both of them being unnecessarily exposed without my knowledge. The secret of our safety was in keeping the regiment below, except the gunners- but this required the utmost energy of the officers, as the men were wild to come on deck, ammd even implored to be landed on shore and charge on the enemy. * In February, 1864, the designation of this regiment was changed to the Thirty- third United States Colored Infantry Page 196 196 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. Nobody knows anything about these men who has not seen them 111 battle. I find that I myself knew nothing. There is a fiery energy about them beyond anything of which I have ever read, except it be the French Zouaves. It requires the strictest discipline to hold them in hand. During our first attack on the river, before I had got them all penned below, they crowded at the open ends of the steamer, loading and firing with inconceivable rapidity, and shouting to each other, Never give it up. When collected into the hold they actually fought each other for places at the few port-holes from which they could fire on the enemy. Meanwhile the black gunners, admirably trained by Lieu- tenants Stockdale and ONeil, both being accomplished artillerists, and Mr. Heron, of the gunboat, did their duty without the slightest protec- tion and with great coolness amid a storm of shot. This river expedition was not undertaken in mere bravado. Captain Sears, U. S. Army, the contractor of Fort Clinch, had urged upon the War Department to endeavor to obtain a large supply of valuable bricks, said to remain at the brick-yards, 30 miles up the Saint Marys, from which Fort Clinch was originally supplied. The War Department had referred the matter to Colonel Hawley, who approved my offer to under- take the enterprise. Apart from this, it was the desire of Lieutenant Hughes, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. steamer Mohawk, now lying at Fernandina, to obtain information regarding a rebel steamer, the Berosa, said to be lying still farther up the river, awaiting opportunity to run the blockade. Both objects were accomplished; I brought away all the bricks and ascertained the Berosa to be worthless. I have the honor to state that I have on board the Ben Dc Ford 250 bars of the best new railroad iron, valued at $5,000, and much i~eeded - in this department. This was obtained on Saint Simons and Jekyls Islands, Georgia, from abandoned rebel forts, a portion of it having been previously blown up and collected by Captain Steedman, of the Paul Jones. I have also eight large sticks of valuable yellow-pine lumber, said to be worth $700, which came from Saint Marys, Ga. There is also a quantity of rice, resin, cordage, oars, and other small matters ~uitable for army purposes. On board the John Adams there is a flock of 25 sheep from Woodstock, Fla. I have turned over to Captain Sears about 40,000 large-sized bricks, valued at about $1,000, in view of the present high freights. I have also turned over to Judge Latta, civil provost-marshal at Fernandina, 4 horses, 4 steers, and a quantity of agricultural implements, suital)le for Mr. Helpers operations at that location. I have secit with my own eyes, and left behind for want of transpor- tation (and because brick was considered even more valuable), enough of the choicest Southern lumber to load steamers like the Ben Dc Fordau amount estimated at more than 1,000,000 feet, and probably worth at Hilton Head $50,000. I also left behind, from choice, valu- able furniture by the houseful pianos, china, & c., all packed for trans- portation, as it was sent -inland for safe-keeping. Not only were my officers and men forbidden to take any of these tImings for private use, but nothing was takemi for public use save articles strictly contraband of war. No wanton destruction was permitted, nor were any buildings burned unless in retaliation for being fired upon, according to the usages of war. Of course no personal outrage was permitted or desired. At Woodstock I took (5 male l)riso~ers, whom I brought (lown the river as hostages, intending to land [)art of them before reaching Per- nandina and return them on I)arole, but in view of the l)revious attack lEade upon us from th~ bttnhs this would P~y~ an uri stretc Page 197 CITAI. XXVI.] EXPEDITION ~YP ST. MARYS RIVER. 197 of magnanimity, and by the advice of Colonel Hawley I have brought them for your disposal. At the same place we obtained a cannon and a flag, which I respect- fully ask for the regiment to retain. We obtained also some trophies of a different description from a slave-jail, which I shall offer for your personal acceptancethree sets of stocks, of different structure, the chains and staples used for confining prisoners to the floor, and the key of the building. They furnish good illustrations of the infernal bar- barism against which we contend. We returned at the appointed time, although there are many other objects which I wish to effect, and our rations ~re not nearly exhansted; but the Ben De Ford is crowded with freigh! and the ammunition of the John Adams is running low. Captain llallett has been devoted to our interests, as was also until his lamented death, the brave Captain Clifton. Of the Planter I have hitherto said nothing, as her worn-out machin- ery would have made her perfectly valueless but for the laborious efforts of Captain Eldridge and her engineer, Mr. Barker, aided by the un- conquerable energy of Captain Trowbridge, of Company A, who had the command on board. Thanks to this they were eiiabled during our absence up the Saint Marys to pay attention to the salt-works along the coast. Finding that the works at Kings Bay, formerly destroyed by this regiment, had never been rebuilt, they proceeded 5 miles tip Crooked River, where salt-works were seen. Captain Trowbridge, with Captaiu Rogers company (F) and 30 men, then marched 2 miles across a marsh, drawing a~ boat with them, then sailed up a creek and destroyed the works. There were 22 large boilers, 2 store-houses, a large quantity of salt, 2 canoes, with barrels, vats, and all things appertaining. I desire to make honorable mention not only of the above officers but of Major Strong, Captain James, Company B; Captain Randolph, Company C; Captain Metcalf, Company C-, and Captain Dolly, Com- pany H. Indeed, every officer did himself credit so far as he had opportunity, while the cheerfulness and enthusiasm of the men made it a pleasure to command them. We found no large number of slaves anywhere; yet we brought axvay- several whole families, and obtained by this means the most valu- able information. I was interested to observe that the news of the ~ proclamation produced a marked effect upon them, and in one case it was of the greatest service to us in securing the hearty aid of a guide, who was timid and distrustful until he heard that he was legally free, after which he aided us gladly and came away with us. My thanks are due for advice and information to Cai~tain Steedman, U. S. Navy, of the steamer Paul Jones; to Acting Master Moses, U. S. Navy, of the bark Fernandina; to Acting Lieutenant Budd U of the steamer Potomska, for information and counsel, and . S. Navy, especially to Lieutenant Commander Hughes, U. S. Navy, of the steamer Mohawk, for 20 tons of coal, without which we could not have gone up the river. I may state, in conclusion, that I obtained much valuable informa- tion, not necessary to make public, in regard to the location of supplies of lumber, iron, rice, resin, turpentine, and cotton, and it would afford the officers and men of this regiment great l)leaSIlre to be constantly employed in obtaining these supplies for the Government from rebel sources; but they would like still better to be permitted to occupy some advanced point in the interioi~ with a steauwr or two like the John Adams and an adequate supply of aiamiuiitiou. We could obtain to Page 198 198 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [OnAr. XXVI, great extent our own provisions, could rapidly enlarge our numbers, and could have information in advance of every movement against ns. A chain of such posts would completely alter the whole aspect of the war in the sea-board slave States, and would accomplish what no accu- mulation of Northern regiments can so easily effect. No officer in this regiment now doubts that the key to the successful prosecution of this war lies in the unlimited employment of black troops. Their superiority lies simply in the fact that they know the country, while white troops do not, and, in oreover, that they have peculiarities of temperament, position, and motive which belong to them alone. Instead of leaving their homes and families to fight they are fighting for their homes and fan~lies, and they show the resolution and, the sagacity which a personal purpose gives. It would have been madness to attempt, with the, bravest white troops what I have successfully accomplished with black ones. Everything, even to the piloting of the vessels and the selection of the proper points for cannonading, was done by my own soldiers. Indeed, the real conductor of the whole expedition up the Saint Marys was Corpl. Robert Sutton, of Company G, formxierly a slavu upon the Saint Marys River, a man of extraordi- nary qualities, who needs nothing but a knowledge of the alphabet to entitle him to the most signal promotion, In every instance when I followed his advice the predicted result followed, and I never departed from it, however slightly, without finding reason for subsequent regret. I have the jionor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. HIGGINSOX, Colonel, Corn dg. First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Military Governor, & e. JANUARY 27, 1863.Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Ga. Report of General G. - I. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding the Depa~rtment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 28, 1863. Two enemys gunboats and three steamers attacked for several hours yesterday Fort [McAllister], Genesis Point, on Great Ogeechee. Attack repulsed; nobody hurt in fort. Two steamers went out this harbor safely last night and one came in with various army supplies. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector- General. JANUARY 29, 1863.Expedition to Daufuskie Island, S. C. Report of Capt. J. III. Mickler, C. S. Army, commanding Battalion. CAMP PALMETTO, Bluifton, S. C., January ~3O, 1863. SIR: I beg leave respectfully to report to Lieut. Col. F. II. Gantt, commanding post, that, in consequence of information furnished me b Page 199 CHAP. XXVI.] CAPTURE OF U. S. S. ISAAC SMITh. 199 Mr. Magee (a scout from district headquarters), I proceeded on yesterday, the 29th instant, to Daufuskie Island, where I succeeded in capturing 12 negroes, the oniy occupants of the island. As they proved to be old persons, several, of them imbeciles I did not think proper to remove them. An examination of three hours disclosed a re- mnarkable accumulation of valuable bed furniture, clothing, provisions, dry goods, and sundries, besides silver and gold coin to the amount of $188, which latter I have turned over for the use of the people of Fred- ericksburg. I have also reported to the qnartermaster~s department 1 keg and 2 bags of nails, 172 pounds of bacon, 2 muskets and a shot- gun, besides a small quantity of rope. I was accompanied by 10 men from my company and 5 from company B, Eleventh Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, and Mr. Magee. Having only two boats of limited capacity I was ~able to bring off only a small proportion of the spoils. The men, however, succeeded i,izi sup- plying themselves bountifully with many necessary articles of clothing, blankets, & c. For prudential reasons I did not think proper to burn what I was unable to remove. The men all behaved well. The value of the articles removed is not less than $2,000. J. H. MICKLER, Captain, Commanding Battalion at Bluifton. C. F. DAVIS, Post Adjutant. JANUARY 30, 1863.Capture of U. S. steamer Isaac Smith, Stono River S. C. REPORTS.* No. 1.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First Military Dis- trict. No. 3.Lieut. Col. Joseph A. Yates, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding expedition. No. 4.Maj. J. Weisman Brown, Second South Carolina Artillery. No. 5.Capt. John H. Gary, Fifteenth South Carolina Heavy Artillery. No. 1. Reports of General G. I. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of South Carolina, Georgia., and Florida. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 30, 1863. Enemy~s gunboat Isaac Smith (eleven guns) surrendered to-day in the Stono to Lieutenant-Colonel Yates after a short engagement with siege rifle guns in open field. G. T. BEAUREGARD. Gdneral S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector- General. * For reports of Rear-Admiral DuPont, Licut. Commander George Bacon, and Acting Master F. S. Conover, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, dated December 7, 1863 Page 200 200 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVI. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 31, 1863. Trap laid for enemys gunboat-steamer Isaac Smith in Stono River (nine guns, Captain Conover) succeeded perfectly yesterday. It sur- rendered unconditionally after a short struggle, badly crippled, having 8 killed, 14 wounded, and 95 prisoners, including 10 officers. Our loss only 1 mortally wounded. * * * * * * G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding Fir8t Military District. HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROL INA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, 5. C., February 4, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of Special Orders, Nos. 36 and 387* from these headquarters, and the reports of Lieutenant- Colonels Yates and Brown and Captain Gary, showing how they were executed. The successful capture of the steamer reflects the highest credit upon the officers and men engaged, and I heartily concur with the commendations of their respective commanders. A list of? prisoners taken is also inclosed.* The only casualty on our side was the mortal wound of Private McQueen, of Alstons battalion of artillery. The Isaac Smith is but slightly damaged, and I hope soon to have her and her full armament ready for service. The sword of the com- manding officer and the flags of the captured steamer are also trans- mitted herewith. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier. General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA., Charleston, S. C., February 6, 1863. On or about the 20th ultimo I ordered General Ripley to have prepa- rations made to surprise the enemys gunboats in the Stono by means of boats or barges with muffled oars. Shortly after he reported that prob- ably it might be preferable to put eight or ten guns suddenly in position on the west side of the Stono during the night, so as to cut off the gun- boats when they came up the river. This proposition was approved by me, provided the ground afforded cover for such a mode of attack. He offered to send Lieut. Col. J. [A.] Yates to make the necessary recon- naissances. This excellent officer went and reported favorably on his return. I then OL(lered the attack to be made with as many rifled siege guns and guns frum the siege train as could find cover there from view, properly supported by infantry, guarding the approaches from Edisto * Not found Page 201 CUAP. xxvI.~ CAPTURE OF U. S. S. ISAAC SMITH. 201 with cavalry. I ordered also three rifled 24-pounder guns to be put in position at or about Grimballs and two more at or about Battery Island (both positions situated on the east side of the Stono), to assist in the attack, taking advantage of whatever shelter those localities af- forded, the expedition to take place as soon and as secretly as practica- ble. I left its details to General Ripley, and well has he (Colonel Yates), and all who took l)art in it, executed my instructions. The vessel has been secured and will be speedily repaired and ready for service as a guard-boat in this harbor. She is said to be very fast. Her armament will be much reduced, and the guns taken from her will be most use- fully employed here and at Savannah. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. No. 3. Report of Lient. Gol. Joseph A. Yates, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding expedition. HEADQUARTERS SPECIAL EXPEDITION, Churleston, S. C., February 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc- tions from district headquarters, a secret expedition was organiz~d for the purpose of attacking the enemys gunboats in Stono River, consist- ing of the following troops: The siege traincomposed of Capt. B. C. Webbs company (A) and Licut. S. W. Willson, jr., commanding Coin- pany Bcommanded by Maj. Charles Aiston, jr.; Capt. F. C. Schulzs company (F), Palmetto Light Artillery Battalion; light battery, manned by Capt. F. II. ilarlestons company (D), First South Carolina Artillery (regulars); one Parrott gun, in charge of Lient. T. E. Gregg, Third Howitzers (siege train); Capt. John C. Mitchels company (I), First South Carolina Artillery (regulars). Company H, Capt. S. M. Roof, and Company I, Lient. M. Gunter commanding (Twentieth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers), acted as sharpshooters. On the afternoon of January 30, at 4.30 oclock, the enemys gunboat Isaac Smith, mounting one 30-pounder Parrott gun and eight 8-inch heavy columbiads, came up the Stono River, passing our batteries (which were masked at Legar& s Point Place and at Grimballs, on Johns Island), and came to anchor a little above them. She was immediately fired upon from our guns posted at Grimballs, on James Island, when she attempted to make good her escape, fighting our batteries (which had then opened) on Johns Island as she passed. She sneceeded in getting as far as Legar& s Point Place, at which point she was disabled by three shots striking her machinery, when she dropped anchor and unconditionally surrendered. We took prisoners her entire crew, con- sisting of 11 officers, 105 men, and 3 negroes. The enemys loss was 25 killed and wounded; on our side 1 man wounded (since (lied). Major Alstou commanded the batteries at Grimballs, on Johns Island; Captain Harleston those at Point Place. Captain Mitchel com- manded the sharpshooters. Lieut. Charles Inglesby, First South Caro- lina Artillery, acted as adjutant. The officers and men un(Ier my command behaved with great coolness and braver.y, fighting their guns without breastworks, entirely exposed to the enemys fire within 200 or 300 yards Page 202 202 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [ChAP. XXVI. The Smith has been towed up the Stono and put under the guns of Fort Pemberton. In closing my report I will not omit to mention the very signal serv- ice rendered by the Stono Scouts, and also Capt. John [B. L.] Walpole. The members of the Signal Corps detailed to accompany the expedi- tioii dischar~ed their duties with great efficiency. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPHA.YATES, Capt. ~. ~. NAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Expedition. A8sistant Adjutant- General. No. 4. Report of Maj. J. Welsman Brown, Second South Carolina Artillery. HEADQUARTERS, Secessionville, S. C., February 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 6, Headquarters East James Island, on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 27th ultimo, I detailed 25 men from Company B, Second South Carolina Artillery Volunteers, and the same number from Company K, under the immediate command of Lieuten- ants [John A.] Bellinger and [F.] Lake; and also 50 men from the Eighth Battalion Georgia Volunteers, under charge of Lieutenants [B.] Hays and [George] Johnson, to act as sharpshooters, and moved two rifled 24-pounders to Legards place, on Stono liver. We reached the position indicated about 7 p. m. and concealed the gnus in the woods. The night was exceedingly cold and wet, and this circumstance, together with the fact that the command was exhausted by the labor of hauling the guns by hand over a very bad road, prevented my placing the pieces in position that night. The next morning, Wednesday [28th], three of the enemys gunboats were discovered below near Coles Island, and so situated as to be in full view of our operations, should we have attempted to erect our plat- forms during daylight~ I therefore kept guns and men under cover and waited until after dark. After a hard nights work the platforms were finished and every arrangement made to comply with my instruc- tions, which were in effect to allow the enemys vessels to pass my posi- tion unmolested on their way up the river and not to open fire until they returned or began the attack upon me. Nothing occurred until Friday afternoon [30th], about 4 oclock, when the approach of a three-masted gunboat was announced. I allowed her to pass my battery, which she fortunately did without suspicion, and immediately moved my guns from their concealment to the platforms, shifted- them from the traveling trunnion beds, and awaited the return of the boat. In a short time a furious cannonade began up the river. but with what effect I could not see, as the trees obscured the view. Soon, however, the boat rounded the point into sight, evidently crip- pled, but keeping up a running fight with the shore batteries above my position on each side of the river. I was about to order my guns to open upon her when I perceived that she had a white flag flying, in token of her surrender. Just at this moment another gunboat wa Page 203 CHAP. XXVI.l CAPTURE OF U. ~. S. ISAAC gMJTIJ. 203 observed approaching, which steamed up within 1~ miles of my position and fired a shot at the battery on Johns Island. Finding that she did not intend going higher up, or that if she did so she might rescue or destroy the prize, as she now began to throw shot and shell at the latter I opened my guns upon her with good effect. She replied, but without damage to-us, and retreated down and across the river. I kept up fire until she got beyond range, striking her repeatedly. She con- tinued to throw an occasional shot or shell toward the opposite side of the river until dark and during the night disappeared. On Saturday morning [3tst], at 8 oclock, another gunboat approached and shelled the village of Legareville, also throwing several projectiles within our vicinity; but she did not come near enough to warrant my attacking her. In the afternoon she again steamed up and opened on the prize captured the night before and upon my batteries. I returned the fire, striking her several times, and she withdrew. The next morn- ing (Sunday, 1st instant) I brought my guns back to this post in obe- dience to orders. Both officers and men under my command behaved as well as possi- ble. They were not only cool and prompt under fire, but proved them- selves model soldiers by bearing without a murmur the hardships neces- sarily entailed by our position, for the weather, particularly during the night, was extremely severe, and the secrecy to be observed debarred the comforts of fire or shelter. I have no casualties to report. I am, captain, yours, respectfully, J. WELSMAN BROWN, Major, Second South Carolina Volunteer Artillery. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of Capt. John H. Gary, Fifteenth South Carolina Heavy Artillery. BATTERY MEANS, James Island, S. C., February 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: Pursuaiit to Orders, No. 38, District Headquarters, I was detailed by .Major [J. J.] Lucas, commanding Western Division, Jamr~es Island, to take charge of the batteries stationed at Mr. Thomas Grimballs, James Island, consisting of three 24-pounder rifled guns, manned by detach- ments from Companies A, B, and C, Lucas battalion of artillery, [Fifteenth South Carolina], Confederate States Provisional Army, com- manded by Licuts. W. U. Ogier, E. B. Colboun, and Capt. T. B. ilayne, respectively. Between the hours of 3 and 4 oclock on the afternoon of the 30th ultimo the gunboat Isaac Smith made her appearance and anchored off Mr. Thomas Grimballs, some 500 yards distant from my batteries. After waiting some twenty minutes and the Abolitionists showing no disposition to land I ordered my batteries to open fire, which they did in handsome style and apparently with great precision. The enemy immediately returned the fire with grape, canister, shell, and Parrott shot, at the same time slipping her cable and retreating down the river. While retreating the firing was kept up on both sides briskly. A grape-shot from the enemy struck the gun commanded by Captai Page 204 204 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. ilayne, but without damage. The firing was continued by my batteries until the Smith struck her flag. I have no casualties to report. I cannot, however, close this report without calling attention to the gallantry and spirit displayed both by the officers and men whom I had the honor to command. I would also mention Messrs. II. W. Rice and Pettigrew Mellard, of the Signal Corps, as having rendered efficient service. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN II. GARY, Captain, Commanding Batteries at Thomas GrimbaWs. Capt. W. F. N~ANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 31, 1863.Attack on Blockading Squadron off Charleston, S.C. REPORTS, ETC.* No. 1.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, with correspondence and proclamation. No. 2.Flag-Officer Duncan N. Irigraham, C. S. Navy. No. 3.Commander John R. Tucker, C. S. Navy. No. 4.Col. Ambrose A. Lecher, One hundred and seventy-sixth Pennsylvania In- fantry, et al. No. 1. Report of General C. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, with correspondence and proclamation. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 31, 1863. t * * * * * * * Last night Confederate gunboats Chicora and Palmetto State under Commodore Jugraham, sank (outside) the steamer Mercedita. Captain Tucker set fire to one vessel, which strnck her flag, and thinks he sank another. Our loss and damage none. Enemys whole fi~et has dis- persed north and south. I am going to proclaim blockade of Charles- ton raised. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. IIDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston AS Baron de ST. ANDRE, , . C., January 31, 1863. 6onsul of France, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I am instructed to call your attention officially to the fact that the Confederate States naval forces on this station this morning, about the hour of 5 oclock, attacked the United States Blockading Squadron off the harbor of Charleston, at their habitual place of anchorage, and * For reports of Rear-Admiral D,iPord, Capts. XYilliani U. Taylor and henry S. Steliwagen, Commander Williaui E. LeRoy and Acting Licat. P. G. Watmougli, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, i ated December 7, lSG3. I Portiou of dispatch here omitte(1 is pi inte(l on p. 20c Page 205 CHAP. XXYI.J ATTACK ON BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205 after a brief engagement sunk, dispersedb, or drove off and out of sight for the time the whole hostile fleet. And I am further instructed to call your attention to the fact that this summary destruction and dis- persion of the fleet of the United States, constituting the blockading force of this harbor, by the superior force of the Confederate States, operates as an entire defeasance of the blockade of the port of Charles- ton and of its operation. The rule of public law requiring that there should be a notification of a new blockade before foreign nations can be affected with an obligation of observing it as a blockade still exist- ing, it is deemed necessary to give you now this formal notification of the fact. Should you desire I shall be pleased to place at your disposition a steamer for the purpose of satisfying yourself of the unobstructed con- dition of this port. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. A similar letter sent to Seflor Francisco Munez Moncada, Her Catholic Majestys consul, Charleston. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 31, 1863. Some of enemys vessels have returned, but for several hours (three or four) none were in sight. Was blockade raised or not? What says Attorney-General? Shall I l)ublish my proclamation, written mean- while? G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector- General. HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C, January 31, 1863. Capt. D. N. INGRAHAM, Commanding Naval Station, Charleston, S. C.: Mv DEAR COMMODORE: Permit me to congratulate yon and the gal- lant officers and men under your command for your brilliant achieve- ment of last night, which will be classed hereafter with those of the Merrimac and Arkansas. May your efforts be always crowned with the same success is the sincere wish of your friend, G. T. BEAUREGARD. PROCLAMATION. HEADQUARTERS LAND AND NAVAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., January 31, 1863. At about 5 oclock this morning the Confederate States naval force on this station attacked the United States Blockading Fleet off the harbor of the city of Charleston, and sunk, dispersed~ or drove off and ~ut of sight for the time t~e entire hostile fleet Page 206 206 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CUAP. XXVI. Therefore we, the undersigned, commanders respectively of the Con- federate States naval and land forces in this quarter, do hereby formally declare the blockade by the United States of the said city of Charles- ton, S. C., to be raised by a superior force of the Confederate States from and after this 31st day of January, A. D. 1863. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. D. N. INGRAIIAM, Flag-Officer Commanding Naval Forces in South Carolina. Official: THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Stafi. SPANISH CONSULATE, Charleston, February 1, 1863. Mr. THOMAS JORDAN, Brig. Gen. and Chief of Staff of the Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: M~ DEAR SIR: I take pleasure in replying to your communication of the 31st of January last, respecting the notification of the raising the blockade at Charleston by the naval force of the Confederate States. I should inform you that I remitted a copy of the same communication to his excellency the minister plenipotentiary at Washington. I thank you for your kind offer in placing a steamer at my disposal so that I may go and satisfy myself as to the condition of the port. Having gone out in company with the French consul, and arrived at the point where the Confederate naval forces were, we discovered three steamP~rs and a l)ilOt boat returning. I must also mention that the British consul at this port manifested to me verbally that some time subsequent to this naval combat not a single blockading vessel was in sight. I avail myself of this opportunity to offer you my sincere respects. MUNEZ DE MONCADA, Spanish Consul. CHARLESTON, February 2, 1863. (Received Richmond, February 2.) General S. COOPER: After consulting law authorities Commodore Ingraham and myself have issued proclamnatioh raising blockade of Charleston. Shall send copy to Government agent at Nassau and officer commanding enemys fleet, which has returned in front of this harbor. G. T. BEAUREGARD. No. 2. Report of Flag- Officer Duncan N. ingraham, C. S. Navy. OFFIOn NAVAL STATION, Charleston, S. C., February 2, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that upon the night of the 30th ultimo I left the wharf at this place in co:4any with the steam-ra Page 207 ChAP. XXVI.] ATTACK ON BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 Chicora, Commander John iR. Tucker, at 11.15 oclock, and steamed slowly down to the bar, as from our draught we could not cross until high water. At 4.30 oclock we crossed the bar with about a foot and a half to spare, and soon after made a steamer at anchor; made for her and directed Lieutenant-Commander [John] Rutledge to strike her with our prow. When quite near we were hailed: What steamer is that ~? Drop your anchor or you will be into us. He was informed that it was the Confederate steamer Palmetto State. At this moment we struck her and fired the 7-inch gun into her as he gave an order to fire. I theu inquired if he surrendered, and was answered in the affirmative. I then directed him to send a boat on board, which was done. After some delay Lieutenant Abbott, commanding, caine on board and in- formed me that the vessel was the United States steamer Mercedita, Commander Stellwagen, and that she was in a sinking condition, and had a crew of 158, all told, and wished to be relieved; that all his boats were lowered without the plugs beingiu and were full of water. At this time the Chicora was engaged with the enemy and the alarm was given. I knew our only opportunity was to take the enemy un- awares, as the moment he was under way, from his superior speed, we could not close with him. I then directed Lieutenant Rutledge, com- mnandiug, to require from Lieutenant-Commander Abbott his word of honor for his commander, officers, and crew that they would not serve against the Confederate States until regularly exchanged, when he was directed to return with his boat to his vessel to render what assistance he could. I then stood to the northward and eastward, and soon after made another steamer getting under way. We stood for her and fired several shots at her, bnt as we had to fight the vessel in a circle to bring the different guns to bear she was soon out of our range. In this way we engaged several vessels, they keeping at long range and steering to the southward. Just as the day broke we made a large steamer (sup- l)05Cd to be the Powhatan) on starboard bow, with another steamer in company, which had just got under way. They stood to the southward under full steam and opened their batteries upon the Chicora, which was some distance astern of us. I then turned and stood to the south- ward to snpport the Chicora,if necessary, but the enemy kept on his course to the southward. I then made signal to Commander Tucker to come to anchor, and led the way to the entrance of Beach Channel, where we anchored at 8.45 a. in., and had to remain seven hours for the tide, as the vessels cannot cross the bar except at high water. The sea was perfectly smooth, as much so as in the harbor. Everything was most favorable for us and gave us no opportunity to test the sea quali- ties of the boats. The engines worked well and we obtained a greater speed than they had ever before attained. I cannot speak in too high terms of the conduct of Commander Tucker and Lieutenant-Commander Rutledge. The former handled his vessel in a beautiful manner and did the enemy much damage. I refer you to his official report. Lieutenant-Commander Rutledge also fought the Palmetto State in a manner highly gratifying to me. Every officer and man did his duty nobly and deserves well of their country. We had but little opportunity of trying our vessels, as the enemy did not close, and nota single shot struck either vessel. I am highly indebted to Commander [II. J.] llartstene, who gallantly volunteered to take charge of three steamers, with 50 men on board, who ~accompanied us in case we should need their services, but they could not get over the bar, but joined us after daylight at the North Channel Page 208 208 COASTS OF S C~, GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. and rendered us their assistance in getting through the channel, which is very narrow. Of the conduct of Mr. Gladden, the pilot of the Palmetto State, I cannot speak in too high terms. He was perfectly cool under the great responsibility he had in taking the vessel over at night with so great a draught, and during the action rendered me great assistance in pointing out the vessels as we approached them in the uncertain light. I send the reports of Commander Tucker and Lieutenant-Commander Rutledge.* I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, D. N. INGRAHAM, Flag- Officer, Commanding. Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of tho Navy, Richmond, Va. No. 3. Report of Commander John R. Tucker, C. & Navy. CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER CHICORA, January 31, 1863. SIR: In obedience to your order I got under way at 11.30 p. m. yes- terday and stood down the harbor in company with the Confederate States steamer Palmetto State, bearing your flag. We crossed the bar at 4.40 a. in., and commencc(l the action at 5.20 a. in. by firing into a schooner-rigged propeller, which we set on fire, and have reason to be- lieve sunk, as she was nowhere to be seen at daylight. We then en- gaged n~ large side- Theel steamer twice our length from us, on the port bow, firing three shots into her with telling effect, when she made a run for it. This vessel was siipposec~ to be the Quaker City. We then engaged a schooner-rigged propeller and a large side-wheel steamer, J)artially crippling both and setting on fire the latter, causing her to strike her flag. At this time the latter vessel, supposed to be the Key- stone State, was completely at my mercy, having a raking position astern, distance some 200 yards. I at once gave the order to cease fir- ing upon her and directed Lieutenant Bier, first lieutenant of the Chi- cora, to man a boat and take charge of the prize; if possible, to save her. If that was not possible to rescue the crew. While the boat was in the act of being manned I discovered that she was endeavoring to make her escape by working her starboard wheel, the other being dis- abled. Her colors being down, I at once started in pursuit and re- newed the engagement. Owing to her superior steaming qualities she soon wi(lened the distance to some 2,000 yards. She then hoisted her flag and commenced firing her rifled gun, her commander, by this faith- less act, placing himself beyond the pale of civilized and honorable warfare. We next engaged two schoonersone brig and one bark- rigged propellerbut not having the requisite speed, were unable to bring them to close quarters. We pursued them 6 or 7 miles seaward. During the engagement (near its termination) I was engaged at long range with a large bark-rigged steam sloop of war, but in spite of all our efforts was unable to bring her to close quarters, owing to her superior steaming qualities. At 7.30 a. in., iii obedience to your orders, we stood inshore, leaving the l)artially-crippled and fleeing enemy Licutenant-Cemnn4auder Rutledges repom-t not found Page 209 Crr~xi. XXVI.] ATTACK ON BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 209 about 7 miles clear of the bar, standing to the ~outhward and eastward. At 8 a. in., in obedience to signal, we anchored in 4-fathom water off the Beach Channel. It gives me pleasure to testify to the good coudnet and efficiency of the officers and crew of the Chicora. I am particularly inh~bted to the pilots Messrs P yne and Aldert, for the skihiftul pilotage of the vessel. It gives me pleasure to report that I have no injuries or casualties. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. TUCKER, Commander, C. S. Navy. Flag-Officer D. N. INGRAHAM, C. S. Navy. [Inclosure.] We, the undersi~ ned, certify that a steamer (side-wheel) supposed to be the Keystone St~ te, not only struck her flag on the morning of January ~3l, but that we saw a number of her men rush upon the after- part of her deck and extend their arms toward us in an imploring man- ner, she being at that time completely at our mercy, distant from us some 200 yards. G. H. BIER, C. S. Navy, First Lieutenant and Exee. Officer Chicora. W. T. GLASSELL, Lieutenant. BENJAMIN F. SHELBY, Squadron Quartermaster. No. 4. Report of Cot. Ambrose A. Leehier, One hundred and seventy-sixth Penn syti~ania In antry et at. HDQRS. 176TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA, Saint ilietena Island, S. C., February 21, 1863. SIR: Having seen a proclamation issued by General Beauregard and Commodore Ingraham to the effect that upon the morning of the 31st ultimo they had by force of arms succeeded in dispersing the blockad- ing fleet which was lying off Charleston Harbor, and also a statement purporting to have come from the English consul for that port and the commanding officer of the English man-of- war Petrel that they had gone out to a point 5 miles beyond the usual anchorage of time blockad- ing fleet and that not a single vessel could be seen even with the aid of powerful glasses, and that consequently time blockade had been most effectually raised, and knowing as we do the above statement to be utterly false in every particular, we feel constrained to tender our evi- dence as corroboratory of that already furnished. On the evening of January 29 the One hundred and seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia (with which we are connected) left Morehead City, N. C., on board steamer Cossack, destined for Port Royal. Upon the mornin~ of the 31st, when near Charleston, could hear firing distinctly. Upoum our arrival off the harbor, which was at about 8.30 iu~ the morning, tomund lying there the blockading squadron, some of which were at anchor, and also the prize steamer Princess Royal. The distance from land at which they were was estimated to be from 4 to 5 miles, and although the morning was somnewh at hazy, vet the laud could be plainly seen on each side of the harbor. Vessels 14 R RYOL XI Page 210 210 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND i~AST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. could be seen in the inlets~ and by the aid of the glass a fort, said to have been Sumter, was visible. We were right in the midst of the fleet, so near as to be able to carry on a conversation with the ilousatonic; were boarded by officers from it and the Quaker City. We remained there until about 9 oclock. Shortly after we departed the Princess Royal followed. Being thus near the site of the engagement, and so soon after it came off, we do not hesitate in the least to pronounce the statement that the blockade was raised not only absurd, but utterly and willfully false in every particular; and the statement of the English consul and the coin- inander of the Petrel that the squadron could not be seen even with the aid of powerful glasses is one equally false, and one that impels us to conclude that it would require a powerful glass truly to be able to discover one particle of truth or honesty in the compositioii of these gentlemen. The entire regiment can substantiate the above facts, and burn with indignation that gentlemen occupying high stations as they do should resort to such base fabrications to prop up a failing cause. We have the hotior, sir, to be, your most obudient servants, A. A. LECIILER, Cot., Comdg. One hundred and seeenty-sixth Regt. Penn. Militia. W. F. FUNDENBURG, Surgeon, One hundred and seventy-sixth Regiment Penn. Militia. TAYLOR C. ~EWBURY, Captain Steamship cossack. Rear-Admiral S. F. DUPONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blocicading Squadron. JANUARY 31, 1863.Affair on Bull Island, S. C. Report of Capt. Charles T. Has/cell. jr., C. S. Army, commanding post. BATTERY MARSHALL, S. C., February 3, 1863. SIR: For the purpose of preparing to carry out orders issued to me I left Sullivans Island on the afternoon of January 30 with 7 men and landed at Gibbes house, on Bali Island, that evening about dark. I spent the next morning in exploring the different creeks back of the island, and was just proceeding to reconnoiter the position of the gun- boat Flambean, lying near, when I met with and captured a man call- ing himself the chief engineer of the Flambean. He was armed with an Enfield rifle and a navy revolver, but said he was only out on a shooting expedition. I sent him off in my boat to the west end of the island, and snpposing that he had companions, concealed myself and fired off his gun to entice them. Another man soon came up with a negro. I took the former prisoner, but the negro ran away. The man professed to be second lieutenant and acting master of the Flainbean, was armed with a musket, and gave the same account of himself as the first. I hurried him off to the west end of the island and sent both to Sullivans Island, sending at the same time to ask that 50 men should be sent me. I remained on the island that night, and about sunset the Flambean came around to within a quarter of a mile of Gibbes house, and coming to anchor within 200 yards of the island, sent from 100 to 120 men ashore. They advanced a short distance, searched Gibbes settlement, find went aboard again. I slept at Gibbe~ house that night~ and th Page 211 ChAr. XXVI.] ATTACK ON FORT M ALLISTER. 211 next morning the 50 men who I had desired to be sent me arriving at the west end of the island, I immediately advanced, being anxious to lie in ambush at Gibbes Wharf. The distance, however was about 4 miles, and by the time I had passed over half of it I was met by one of my scouts, who informed me that the enemy had landed and were ad- vancing. Directly afterward I saw them myself, about 75 men in front, with a reserve of about 50 more about 500 yards farther back. They were marching through an open field in close order. I formed my men (45, the rest having been left at the boats) just l)ack of Gibbes sum- mner-house, and as they came np gave them a volley from half of my force, ordering the remainder to reserve their fire, as I expected them to charge me. It seemed to take them by surprise, as they had not yet seen me, and they immediately retreated in confusion, returning my fire as they went. The very dense thicket prevented my fire from being very effective. They left one man dead on the ground; a first lieutenant of marines, commanding the detachment, was apparently mortally wounded, and another man also ai)peared to be wounded. I knew that they had a launch with a rifled gun omi it, with which they could de- stroy my boats and cut off my retreat, and having only one days rations, I considered it best to cross over to Capers Island and wait for re-en- forcements. I accordingly, after waiting for them to renew the attack about half an hour, iuarched back to my boats and crossed over the. inlet dividing the two islands, sending off a boat at the same time to ask for re-enforcements. I waited on Capers Island until the next evening at 8 oclock, when I received orders to return to Sullivans Island. I set out at 9 oclock and arrived at this post early this morning. I am, sir, very resJ)ectfully, your obedient servant, CHAIILES T. HASKELL, JR., Captain, Commanding Post. Capt. W. F. NANCE, A A. G. First Military District. FEBRUARY 1, 1863.naval attack on Fort McAllister, Genesis Point, Ga. T~EPORTS, ETC.* No. 1.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with congratulatory orders. No. 2.Maj. Henry Bryan, Assistant Inspector-General, C. S. Army. No. 3.Col. R. H. Audemon, C. S. Army, commanding forces on the Ogeechee River. No. 4.Capt. George XV. Anderson, jr., Georgia Artillery, commanding Fort Mc- Allister. No. 5.Capt. Robert Martin, Georgia Artillery, commanding mortar and light bat- teries. No. 1. Report of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Depart- ment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with congratulatory orders. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 2, 1863. General U. W. Mercer reports quite a success at Genesis Point yes- * The Union vessels engaged were the Montank, C. P. Williams, Dawn, Seneca, and Wissahickon. For report of Commander John L. Worden, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secl7etary of the Navy, dated December 7, 1863 Page 212 212 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CLAP. XXVL terday after five hours firing from one montor, four gunboats, and one mortar boat. Monitor came to 800 yards of batteryprincipally one rifled 32-pounder and one 8-inch colLimbiad; was compelled to retire apparently crippled. We lost 1 officer killed, 4 men wounded, and 1 gun disabled. Another monitor seen near Thunderbolt Battery, ou Vernon River; fired once and retired. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General S. COOPER, General, Commanding. Adjutant and Inspector-General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA .,ANDFLA., No. 23. Charleston, S. C., February 6, 1863. The commanding general announces to the forces with satisfaction and pride the results of the recent encounter of our battery at Genesis Point, Ga., with an iroii-clad of the monitor class; results only alloyed by the life-blood of the gallant commander, the late IVJaj. Johu B. Gallie. For hours the most formidable vessel of her class hurled missiles of the heaviest caliber ever used in modern warfare at the weak parapet of the battery, which was almost demolished; but, standing at their guns, as became men fighting for homes, for honor, and for independ- ence, the garrison replied with such effect as to cripple and beat back their adversary, clad though in impenetrable armor and armed with 15 and 11-inch guns, supported by mortar boats whose practice was of uncommon precision. The thanks of the country are due to this intrepid garrison, who have thus shown what brave men may withstand and accomplish, despite apparent odds. Fort McAllister will be inscribed on the flags of all the troops en- gaged in the defense of the battery. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Maj. Henry Bryan, Assistant Inspector-General, C. S. Army. SAVANNAH, February 1, 1863. General THOMAs JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I visited Genesis Point this morning just after the fight, too late to get a view of the iron-clad, which came much nearerper. haps within 600 yards, but more likely about 700. She was afraid of our fire, however, and fell back some distance. I inclose rough sketches of this steamer as she appeared to three parties and two rough plans of the position of enemys fleet during engagement. The iron-clad seems to have fired principally 15-inch shell, one of which went directly through the parapet (17 fret thick) iii front of a 32-pounder on the left. At this point the parapet was mostly built of marsh mud7 which I infer cannot offer sufficient resistance to these mis Page 213 OnAr. XXVI.l ATTACI~ ON I~ORt~ MALL1ST13~R. 213 sues. Two shells seem to have struck near the same point on the par- apet (made of sand) in front of the columbiad and tore away about a third of it, covering several men with sand; one or two were dug out. The resisting power of sand is very great, and after thick iron it malies probably the protectiou most desirable. So far as demolishing earth- work goes I am inclined to think the 15-inch shell a partial failure. I think a concentrated fire of smaller guns would have been more de- structive to us. Had they burst better, however, the result might have been different. Capt. George W. Anderson, the officer next in rank to Major Gallie, has proved himself a brave and good young sol- dier but I think Capt. Alfred L. llartridge, Company B, First Georgia Sharpshooters, who commanded Genesis Point last summer, is the man best qualified to succeed Major Gallie. I will send you by express a brass fuse plng from the 15-inch shell. I am, with regard, your most obedient servant, HENRY BRYAN. [Inclosure.] GENESIS POINT, February 1, 18631.30 p. m. Fight lasted five hours, ending 12.45. Major Gallies brains blown out, nobody wounded, and 7 injured by concussion. One 32 had trun- nioii knocked off; l)arapet torn up in about five places; in front of columbiad it was partly demolished. Enemys iron-clad struck at least a dozen times, perhaps two dozen, and has gone back out of sight. She caine within 1,000 yards of our battery, probably 700. Col. R. II. An. derson and garrison have acted nobly. HENRY BRYAN, Major and Assistant Inspector- General. No. 3. Report of Col. R. H. Anderson, C. ~S1. Army, commanding forces on the Ogeechee River. HEADQUARTERS C. S. FORCES, OGEECHEE RIVER, Fort McAllister, Ga., February 2, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor very respectfully to submit to the briga- dier-general commanding the following report of the engagement of this battery with the Abolition fleet, which took place yesterday, the 1st instant: At 7.45 a. m. the battery was attacked by one iron-clad of the monitor order, whose armament was one 15-inch and one 11-inch gun, three gun- boats (wooden), and one mortar boat. Before the enemy~s boats came within range I ordered Capt. Arthur Shaaff, commanding the First Bat- talion Georgia Sharpshooters, to line the river bank with his riflemen. His right rested about a quarter of a mile in rear of and west of the bat. tery. As S00~ as I was satisfied that there was no intention on the part of the enemy to land at Kilkenny on my right flank, and that his intemi- tion was restricted to passing the obstructions, I ordered hun to deploy his battalion on his right file at ten paces intervals, which enabled him to cover the bank of the river for over a mile with his sharpshooters, who had excellent cover, and would have annoyed the enemy terribly had he succeeded in passing the obstructions. Martins light battery Page 214 214 COASTS OP S. C., GA~, AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. held in reserve at llardwick, which is about 1~ miles in rear of the bat- tery. Captain McAllisters troop I also held ill readiness about a mile in rear of the battery. The two rifle guns of the Chathain Artillery, under Lieutenant Whitehead, I had placed in pits on a commanding bluff on the river, about a mile in rear of the battery; the two guns of the Confederate States steamer Hattlesnake, under the command of Captain Baker, I also ordered placed on Richmond Bluff about 7 miles in rear of the battery. The steamer Rattlesnake, according to your direction, was moved at a suitable point in the river and in readiness to be sunk had necessity required it. At 7.45 a. m. the bombardment commenced; our battery opened fire first, but not until the iron-clad had approached and taken a positiou north of and within 800 or 1,000 yards of the battery; their wooden boats lay about 2 miles from and to the east of the fort. The enemy fired steadily and with remarkable precision; at times their fire was terrible. Their mortar firing was unusually fine, a large number of their shells bursting directly over the battery. The iron-clads fire was principally directed at the 8-inch columbiad, and at about 8.15 oclock the l)arapet in front of this gun was so badly breached as to leave the gun entirely exposed. The detachment did iiot leave their gun or evince the slightest fear, but in a most gallant and determined manner fought their gun to the close of the action, refusing to be relieved. The name of the brave officer who commanded this gun is First Lient. W. D. Dixon, of the Republican Blues, Company C, First Georgia Volunteer Regiment. At 8.30 a. m. one of the 32-pounders was disabled, one of the trunnions being knocked off. The same shot also killed MaJ. John B. Gallie [Twenty-second Battalion Georgia Artillery], the gallant com- mander of the battery. Prior to this he had been wounded in the face by a fragment of shell, but refused to be relieved, and continued, not- withstanding his suffi~m-ing, inspiring the men with his own gallant and unconquerable spirit np to the time he was killed. Thus perished nobly a brave, good, and gallant soldier. Capt. G. W. Anderson, jr., upon Major Gallies death, 8ulcceeded to the command of the battery, and displ~ed during the whole action the utmost coolness and gallantry, as did Captain [Robert] Martin, commanding the 10-inch mortar, Capt. G. A. Nicoll [Company F, Twenty-second Battalion Georgia Artillery], and each and every officer of the battery. The whole fire of our battery was concentrated upon the iron-clad, which we struck at least eighteen times, and I think damaged. At 12.15 p. m. she ceased firing and dropped down the stream omit of reach of our guns. I think she was damaged, for the reason that just before backing down the stream we could hear them hammering on the turret, which ceased to revolve; neither did she again return our fire, which at this juncture was very severe. I have entered into particulars, for the reason that this attack was one of no ordinary character, as will be readily admitted, when the class of the enemys vessels and their superior armament is taken imito con- sideration, as well as the close proximity of the iron-clad to the battery. I think that the brave and heroic garrison of Fort McAllister have, after a most severe and trying fight, demonstrated to the world that victory does not as a matter of course always perch itself on the flag of an iron-clad when opposed even to an ordinary earthwork manned by stout and gallant hearts. In commemoration of this gallant actiomi I respectfully recommend that the garrison be allowed to have Fort McAllister inscribed on their standard. I beg leave to call the atten. tion of the brigadier-general commanding particularly to my adjutant Page 215 CUAP. XXVL] ATTACK ON FORT MALLISTETh 215 First Lient. Robevt Wayne, who in the most gallant and heroic manner bore all of my orders in the battery during the whole action. He was as much, if not more, expose(l ~haii any one during the action, and his conduct won the admiration of all. I would also express my indebted- ness to Captain McAllister, who by his gallantry, energy, and soldier- like appreciation of wbat I reqnired of him, did much to facilitate my arrangements for the det~nse of the river. Our total list of casualties are 8Major Gallie killed, an(1 7 privates wounded, none of them severely. The damage to the work has been already repaired; all that remains to be done is to mount another gun in the place of the 32-pounder dis- abled. This we will do as soon as the one you have ordered to be brought here from Savannah arrives. Inclosed you will please find the report of Capt. G. W. Anderson,jr., the immediate commander of the battery, as well as that of Capt. Hobert Martin, commanding the 10-inch mortar. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, It 14. ANI)ERSON, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. GEORGE A. MERGER, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Dist. of Georgia, Savannah. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEOR 0-IA, AND FLoRiDA, Charleston, S. C., February 6, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Department. The results related within of the obstinate attack by an ironclad of the monitor class on our battery at Genesis Point are important and encour- aging. The armament of the battery in question uiifortunately was not heavy, or such as I should have placed at that point had the proper guns been at may dispositioP. (See my report of November 1, 1862.) It consisted of but one 8-inch columbiad, one 42-pounder, five 32-pound- ers, and one 10-inch mortar, which has been 1)laced there recently. But, thanks to the intrepidity of the garrison and sup~)ortiIIg force of officers and men, the battery withstood the formidable attack an(l the emmemy was beaten back. I beg to corunmend to the notice of the President the names of all mentioned in these papers. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. No. 4. Report of Capt. George W. Anderson, Jr., Georgia Artillery, commanding Fort McAllister. FORT MCALLISTER, GA., February 2, 1863. LIEUTENANT: Through you I have the honor of reporting to Col. li. II. Anderson, comnmnail(lilmg forces on Ogeechee River, the result of yes. terdays engagement: At 7.45 a. ma. the battery was attacked by an iron-clad (which an- chored about I ,00() yar(15 abreast of the battery amid immediately oppo- site the chamber of our 8-inch columbaid), three gunboats, and a mortar- boat. The enemy fired steadily and with great precision; at times i Page 216 216 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND~EAST FLA. [ellAr. ,txvt was exceedingly severe. They fired unusually well with their mortar, a number of shells bursting directly over the battery. The iron-clads chief aim was at the columbaid; she fired 11 and 15 inch shell. The parapet in front of the 8-inch was breached and the gun was left almost entirely exposed. Notwithstanding their critical position not a man composing the squad evinced the slightest fear, but continued to work the gun with as much energy and as much composure as coald be desired. It would be invidious to institute a comparison when all alike ex- hibited the utmost gallantry; but I would respectfully beg leave to call the colonels attention to the 8-inch and to the 42-pounder squads. The damage to the work can be repaired in forty eight hours. Early in the day (8.30 oclock) the iron-clad disabled one of my 32-pounders, knocking one of the trunnions off. It was this shot which killed the heroic Major Gallie. Prior to this he was badly cut in the face, while standing by the 8-inch gun, inspiring the men with his own indomitable spirit. He refused to be relieved, saying he would be able to attend to duty in a few minutes. Shortly afterward he fell while discharging his duties under the most trying circumstances, pierced through the head. At 12.30 oclock the enemy slowly backed out of range of our guns. The tower of the iron-clad was struck several times. We could hear them hammering distinctly, evidently mending something which had been broken by our shot. The turret finally ceased to revolve; whether designedly or not is left to conjecture. We were unable to reach the wooden vessels. Our rifle projectiles are miserable. As soon as they leave the muzzle of the gun they commence to revolve over and over. The casualties were as follows: * I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, GEO. W. ANDERSON, JR., Captain, Commanding Port McAllister. Lieut. ROBERT WAYNE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 5. Report of Capt. Robert iViartin, Georgia Artillery, commanding mortar and light batteries. CAMP ARNOLD, February 1, 1863. LIEUTENANT: Through you I have the honor to make the following report to Col. R. II. Anderson, commanding forces at and around Genesis Point: According to an order from Brigadier-General Mercer, placing me in command of the 10-inch mortar at Fort McAllister, I promptly repaired to my post, having first given orders to Lient. W. G. Robson, senior lieutenant present, to move my light battery in sUpl)orting distance of the fort. I arrived at my mortar battery a few minutes after 9 a. m. arid immediately opened fire on the Abolition fleet. At 10.40 a. in. my platform gave way, and I was compelled to remove the planking and fire from the second tier of boards, which stood the firing very well. I have but one casualty to report, i. e., one of my detachment, from a fragment of shell in the head, slightly. * Nominal list shows 1 officer killed and 7 men wounded Page 217 cIlA?. XXVI.I DEST1~1YCTION OF TIlE NASHVILLE. 217 The firing from the fleet was good. My men were frequently covered with sand, and shell and fragments of shell frequently fell around us. My practice was at first bad, owing to the mist, bnt toward midday it improved, the shells bursting over or falling near the vessels. My men stood to their work well. I am, lient euant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ft MARTIN, Cqptain, .Commanding Mortar and Light Battery, P. A. C. S. Lieutenant [ROBERT] WAYNE, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort MicAllister, Ga. FEBRUARY 28, 1863.Engagement at Fort McAllister, Ga., and destruc~ tion of the ~ashville.* Report of Capt. George W. Anderson, Jr., Georgia Artillery, command ing Fort MicA luster. HEADQUARTERS, Fort McAllister, Ga., February 28, 1803. CAPTAIN: Through you I have the honor of reporting to Brigadier- General Mercer the result of this mornings engagement: At 7.25 a. in. three gunboats, one mortar-boat, and an iron-clad came in sight of our battery. The gunboats and mortar-boat took the same positions as in the former engagements. The iron-clad anchored be- tween 800 and 1,000 yards abreast of our battery and directed her entire fire at the Rattlesnake, [Nashville,] which was aground about three- fourths of a mile from her. The wooden vessels directed their fire at the battery; ~did no damage, but slightly injuring the quarters of the Emmett Rifles and plowing up the dirt in our parade. At 7.40 oclock the Rat- tlesnake was set on firewhether by her commander (Captain Baker) or by the shells of the enemy I am unable to say. If by Captain Baker, I think it was entirely unnecessary, circumstances not demandiiig her destruction. The iron-clad was struck by several of our shot; the wooden vessels were struck once by our 32-pounder rifle. Officers and men acted with their accustomed bravery and only re- gretted the brevity of the fight. At 9.30 oclock the vessels ceased firing and dropped down the river. The iron-clad apparently passed and repassed with impunity over the spot where the torpedoes were sunk. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. XV. ANDERSON, JR., Captain, Commanding. Capt. GEORGE A. MERCER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * The Union forces engaged were the Montauk, Seneca, Wissahickon, and Dawn. See Conimandcr John L. Wordens report in Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 7, 1863 Page 218 218 tOASTS OF S. C., GA, AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [UnAV. ~VI. MARCH 3, 1863.Naval attack on Fort McAllister, Ga. REPORTS, ETC.* No. 1.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with congratulations. No. 2.Maj. D. B. Harris, C. S. Army, Chief Engineer Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No. 3.Capt. John MeCrady, C. S. Army, Chief Engineer State of Georgia. No. 1. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 3, 1863. General Mercer reports steamer Nashville destroyed by enemy~s shells, having stranded half mile above Fort McAllister. Three moni- tors and two mortar-boats attacked fort this morning. After six hours firing destroyed one gun-carriage and slightly wounded 2 men. Dam- age to monitors not known. Firing still going on at 3 ~ m. One inon- itor and eight wooden vessels lying several miles below fort. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 4, 1863. Fort McAllister has agaiu repulsed enemys attack. Iron-dads re- tired at 8 p. m. yesterday; inortaPhoats shelled until 6 oclock this morning. All damages repaired during night; 8-inch columbiads mounted and fort goo(I as ever. No casualties reported. Result is en- couraging. Enemys vessels still in sight. 0-. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. II. MERCER, Savannah: I congratulate again the defenders of Fort McAllister. Hope gal. lant example will be followed by all the other batteries. Clinginans troops will be sent, but must be ready to support Walker at Pocotaligo as required. G. T. BEAUREGARD. * The Union vessels engaged were the Nahant, Passaic, and Patapsco. For reports of Rear-Admiral DuPont, Capt. Percival Drayton, Commanders Daniel Ainmen and John Downes, and Lieutenant-Commander J. N. Miller, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 7, 1863 Page 219 CHAr. XXVI.] ATTACIC ON FORT MALLISTER, GA~ 219 No. 2. Report of ]Jlicij. D. B. Harris, C. & Army, Chief Lnqineer Department of AS~outh Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. SAVANNAH, GA., ]Jlarch 9, 1863. GENERAL: In compliance with my instructions Captain [John] Mc- Grady has made a report in detail of the engagement of the enemy with the battery at Genesis Point (Fort McAllister), on the 3d instant, which I have the honor to hand you herewith. This interesting report is based chiefly upon information furnished by Asst. Engr. J. W. Mc- Alpin, to whose admirable conduct on this and previous attacks upou Fort McAllister I respectfully invite the attention of the general com- manding. I have visited the battery since the engagement, and found it in good condition in every respect. It would appear that the iron-dads are not such formidable monsters after all, particularly against sand batteries. Where crushing effect is desired, as against vessels, and brick or other walls, the 15-inch shell and solid shot conld be used to advantage; but for the reduction of sand batteries the same amount of metal thrown from 8 or 10 inch guns in the same time would, I think, have treble the eff~ct. The firing of the iron-dads was not as accurate as it should have been under the circumstances. The firing of our battery having been directed against one of them alone, the others ought to have fired with all the deliberation and care requisite to insure accuracy. I am there- fore at a loss to account for their wild firing. The most of their shots passed over the battery. The mortars were fired at a distance of at least 2A miles without, as usual, any damaging effect upon the battery. I am fully persuaded the turret of No. 1 (Montank) was injured during the engagement. The result of this engagement ought to make us feel quite comfortable. When the grand affluir with which the Abolitionists have been so long threatening us shall some off (if it ever does), I am sure our sand batteries will give a good account of themselves. Mr. McAlpin thinks the iron-dads did not pass over the torpedoes in the river. I have directed an examination to be Ina(ie to ascertain if they are in the position in which they were anchored in the stream. I have the honor to be, general, yours, very respectfully. D. B. HARRIS, ]lfajor and Chief Engineer~ Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. No. 3. Report of Capt. John MeC~rady, C. & Army, Chief Engineer State of Georgta. ENGINEER OFFICE, C. S. ARMY, Savannah, March 8, 1863. MAJOR: The following report of the engagement with three of the enemys monitor fleet, which occnrred at Fort McAllister on Tuesday, March 3, is founded ll])011 the notes and observations of Assistant Engineer McAlpin, and the statements of Capt. [0-. XV.] Anderson Page 220 220 COASTS OP S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST PLA. (CHAP. XXVt fur.], Capt. J. L. McAllister, Lient. E. A. Elarbee, and Mr. Motte Mid- diet on. Three of the monitor fleet took position off the battery at 8.45 a. opelle(1 fire at 8.54 a. in., and ceased at 4.15 p. in., the action, so far as these vessels were concerned, lasting seven hours and twenty four min- utes. Another monitor lay near the bend of the river below Harveys Cut, but took no lart in the action. She was accompanied by one river steamer an(l one ocean steamer, besides two mortar schooners in plain view, an(1 one which was not seen, but which threw mortar shells together with the other two, during the whole engagement. The three iron-dads were drawn up in line of battle at distances varying from 1,400 to 1,900 yards from the battery. At these distances they ap- peared to be all so nearly of the same model as to render it impossible to distinguish them by differences of form or proportion. Each carried a single turret nearly amidships and in front of smoke-stack. They could only be distinguished from each other by their differences of color, which are given in the inclosed table. One of them lay above the target, the other two below it. Calling that above the target and nearest the battery No. 1, No. 2 lay about 300 yards below it, and No. 3 about 50 yards below No.2. Their position was in the channel, about 200 yards from the marsh, on the opposite side of the river. Asst. Engr. Postell, statioiied at IRosedew, states that one only of the three carried a flag upon her turret. This was probably the Moutauk, which in previous engagements carried such a flag. The plates on the hull of No. I were distinguishable from the battery, and were thought by Mr. McAlpin to be from 18 to 24 inches square. The tables attached to this report will show the differences of color, armament, & c., of the three iron-dads, as well as the number of shot fired by each and the number which took effect upon the battery. The whole number fired was 224, and of these not more than 50 struck any part of our works. Of the 27 which struck the traverses and superior slope only 12 shells exploded, and they did no serious damage. The greatest injury inflicted by a shot was the destruction of the carriage of the 8-inch gun. The fire of our battery was concentrated exclusively on Monitor No. I. iNo shots whatever were fired at Nos. 2 and 3. The men on No. 3 watched the engagement from the deck of their vessel without fear of being fired at. Captain Anderson reports that he attempted firing by battery, but did not succeed for want of a signal which could be heard in all the gun chambers at once. He reports that the stroke of the bass-drum was not sufficient for this purpose. The firing of the 10-inch mortar (Captain Martin) was very accurate, all the shells falling near No. 1, and one filled with sand striking her decl~ and breaking to l)ieces. The 32-pounder rifled gun with charges of 7 pounds of powder did well, all the bolts and most of the shells being thrown satisfactorily. The 8-inch gun fired with its usual accuracy until dismounted at 11 oclock. The firing of the 42-pounder, always accurate, was only interrupted for thirty minutes, when the traverse-wheel, being broken by a fragment of shell, it required that time to replace it. The gun was, however, fired several times with the broken wheel, but at last gave way. The 10-inch gun was served with an elevation of 60 30, and generally shot over the turret; it is thought, however, that several of its shot struck ihe vessel. The 32pounders were fired I suppose for the purpose of dividing the enemys attention. It will be thus seen that the 42-pounder and the rifle gun were those which principally maintained the action o Page 221 CHAP. XXVI.] ATTACK ON FORT MALLJISTER, GA. 221 our part, the 8-inch gun having been disabled at 11 oclock and the 10-inch generally overshooting the mark. The following are the circumstances which have caused a belief that No. 1 was injured in the engagement: The last shot fired at her was from the 42-pounder. It was reported to have struck near the turret and low down toward the water line. Immediately after she was struck a volume of smoke or steam issued from her side in a manner not wit- nessed in previous engagements, and which caused a remark that she was on fire; at the same time 3 men rushed out of her turret, but shortly returned. She then blew her whistle three times, when No. 2, which had already weighed anchor and started downstream, returned, and coining up to No. 1 took her position until she had retired. Mean- while both guns of No. 1 were dischargedor discharged themselves without aim up the river, one of the shot striking in the middle of the stream near the obstructions. These circumstances were, in whole or in part, witnessed by Mr. Motte ~~iddleton,Assistant Engineer MeAlpin, the officers in the battery, Lieutenant Elarbee in the marsh on the other side of the river, and the maneuvers of the two vessels were also wit- nessed from Rosedew by Assistant Engineer Postell. Captain Mc- Allisters pickets at Cottenham report that the enemy were working ou one of their iron-dads all night after the engagement. Lieutenant Elarbee and 4 men of Captain ~ company went over into the marsh opposite the fort the night before on a call for vol- unteers for that purpose. They attained a position from 200 to 250 yards from Monitor iNo. 1. On the officer stepping out of the turret to ascertain the effect of his shot one rifle was fired at him, but missed, upon which he immediately turned to re-enter the turret, but was shot in the act, stumbling forward, and at last entering only with difficulty. No. 1 fired grape or canister at the men in the marsh innuediately after this and once subsequently, but without hurting one of them. Lieu- tenant Elarbee, from his position, had a nearer view of No. 1 than any one has yet had of one of the monitor fleet. No. 1 is supposed to be the Montauk. He reports that her ports are always open; that her guns run in and out of battery, and that they are loaded from the muzzle. He could distinctly hear the words of command, In battery, & c., and saw the hands of the men and the staff of the rammer protruded through the port in loading. He also reports that in No. 1 the muzzle of the gun when in battery protrudes about 6 inches from the port. He could see nothing of the same kind in Nos. 2 and 3. He could observe no injury done by our shot to the turret, the only observable effect being a whitish streak on the iron. The shot either glanced or were broken to pieces. One of our shot is reported to have struck about 6 inches from a port. According to Lieutenant Elarbees observations, and also Mr. MeAlpins, the turret of No. 1 during this engagement turned only one way, the revolutions being to an outsider uniformly from left to right. Lieu- tenant Elarbee also observed that the motion of revolution was not even and continuous, but affected by a marked trip at regular intervals. The turret appeared to be soumetimes arrested temporarily in its revolu- tions; whether from design, imperfect machinery, or injury from our shot could not be ascertained. The mortar fire of the enemy did no damage to the works during the day. They resumed firing at 6 p. in. and continued their bombard- ment until 6 a. in. the next day. Only one shell struck any part of the works, and that opened a crater of about 4 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep in the top of the covered way leading from the main work to the mortar battery~ T~ shin up the ellect of the seve~t hours boinbiirdnca Page 222 222 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST Flak. [Gun. SETh on Fort McAllister by three iron-dads, carrying each two guns of thp heaviest caliber, and three mortarboats, carrying each one 10 or 15-inch mortar, I make the following statement of damage: EarthworkNo material damage nor any that could not be repaired in one night. (hees..One gun-carrisge shattered; two traverse-wheels broken. .Mbs.Two men slightly wounded. On account of the continued bombardment the negroes could not be worked during the night, and a working party wits detailed for that purpose from the sharpshooters With the men and the assistance of their officers Assistant Engineer MeAlpin had all the damage re- paired by morning, the 84nch columbiad remounted on a spare carnage sent from Savannah, and the broken traverse-wheel of the 32-pounder replaced by a new one. The broken traverse-wheel of the 42-pounder had been replaced during the action by Lieutenant [I).] Quinn, of the Emmett Rifles [Twenty-second Battalion Georgia Artillery on rolls], commanding the gun, the spare traverse-wheel having been brought from the rear of the battery in the midst of the flying shells by one of the gun detachment who, being unable to lift it the whole way, roiled it along the ground by holding the fork. A fresh supply of ammunition was received from Savannah during the night, and the following morning the garrison were as well prepared to renew the fight as they had been to begin it; but the enemy did not come up to time. The battery will be in allrespects complete by Tues- day night, should nothing untoward prevent I desire to make special mention to the general commanding of the coolness, courage, and presence of mind of Ant. Engr. 3. W. MeAlpin, who, while under fire, sketched the positions of the vessels, and kept, with the assistance of others, a tally of the shots fired by the cern!, besides taking notes and collecting the principal hots upon which this report and the annexed tables are founded. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient rant, JOHN MaOBADY Captain aunt Oh4fE~sgineer State., Georgia MtJ. D. B. Hams (Jkicf Engineer h.z~ s. a., Ge., ana via, dharzenon, & C. [helen N& U Table showing eject on works at Gnesft Point (Art McAllister) of by three turreted monitors, on March 3, 1863. lonndci on report of lest Engr. J. W.MeA~plis. Mortar battersj.Not struck. ThIrty-two-pounder rifle chamberOne sheil in exterior slcpe, die- placing about 1 cubic yard of earth. One rifle shell grasedeasternslope of right flank traverse between rifle gun and 8-inch. Eight-inch columblad chambw.Two shells. exploded in right flank traverse, doing but little damage. One shot.struck gun-carriage right diagonal brace, which it shivered, and rendered gnu useless. Five shot entered extension slope of parapet; no serious damage. Forty-two-pounder gun ohamber~Three shots struck top of traverse between 8-inch and 42-pounder; one, being a shell exploded; no sal- ons damage was done. Two, if not more, shotce sLeu (one exploding Page 223 CHAP. XXVII ATTACK ON FORT M ALLISTER, GA. 223 struck northwest angle of the same traverse, carrying away earth for G feet from front. Traverse in rear struck twice, one shell exploding; no serious damage done. One traverse-wheel broken, probably by a fragment of shell. One man wounded by fragment of shell. One man wounded by a sod peg. Eight shot entered exterior slope of parapet; no serious damage. Two rifle shot struck traverse on left flank; one exploded, breaking left traverse-wheel; no serio us damage. One 11- inch shell struck same traverse and exploded; no serious damage. Ten-inch gun charnber.Two shot struck the superior slope in front of this gun without damage. One of them, a shell, ricochetted and struck top of traverse in rear, exploding in front of bomb-proof, doing no harm. Three shot struck exterior slope of parapet without doing severe damage. Thirty-two- pounder double chamber.One shell str~ick and exploded in superior slope of parapet, making a hole 2 feet deep and 4 feet in diameter. A fragment broke right traverse-wheel of 32-pounder on left. Four shot struck traverse in rear; two of them (shell) exploded near left angle, low down, displacing a considerable amount of earth. One shot struck traverse on left flank. Two shot struck exterior slope of parapet; no serious damage done. Thirty-two-pounder on left flank.No shot struck. One shot struck parapet in front of hot-shot furnace. Bomb-proof.Three shot struck northern side; one exploded. Four shot struck top. No damage done. JOHN MOClIADY, Captain and Chief Engineer State of Georgia. (Thclosuro No. 2.1 Table showing color, armament, projectiles, & c., of the three turreted mon itors which attacked Fort McAllister on March 3, 1863. Founded on observations of Asst. Engr. J. 1W. MeAlpin. No. 1.Color: Turret and smoke-stack, black; hull, brown. Arma- meut: One 15-inch gun and one 11-inch gun (smooth-bore). Project- iles: 15-inch hollow shot and shell; 11-inch shell and solid shot; 15-inch shell, with three fuses. Number of shot Iired at battery, 90. No. 2.Color: Hull and smoke-stack, light colored; top of smoke- stack, red. Armament: One 8-inch rifle and one 11-inch gun (smooth- bore). Prqjectiles: Cylindro-conoidal percussion shell, 17 inches long, 8 inches in diameter at base; 11-inch solid shot and shell. Number of shot tired at battery, 70. No. 3.Color: Hull, turret, and top of smoke-stack, dark green. Ar- manent: Two 8-inch rifles. Projectiles: Cyhindro-conoidal percussion shell, 17 inches long and 8 inches in diameter at base. Number of shot fired at battery, 64. Intervals between successive delivery of fire: Average of ten minutes. Penetration: 11-inch solid shot penetrated 9 feet 10 inches in sand; 8-inch rifle shell penetrated 3 feet 6 inches in sand. JOHN MuCRADY, Captain and Chief Engineer State of Georgia Page 224 224 COASTS OP S C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA [CHAr. XXVI. MARCH 9, 1863.Skirmish near Saint Augustine, Fla. IRJ~PORTS. No. l.Col. Haldimand S. Putnam, Seventh New Hampshire Infantry. No. 2.Lient. Col. Joseph C. Abbott, Seventh New Hampshire Infantry. No. 1. Report of Cot. ilialdimand S. Putnam, Seventh New hampshire Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Augustine,. Eta., March 12, 1863. COLONEL: 11 have the honor to report that on Monday, the 9th instant, the advanced picket guard, stationed about 2 miles north of the town, was attacked. I had reliable information that the enemy con- sisted of a company of about 80 horsemen, commanded by a Captain Dickison, and that his camp was at a place calldd Fort Peyton, 7 miles southwest of this place. I immediately dispatched Lieutenant Colonel Abbott, Seventh New Hainpsh ire Volunteers, with 120 men, with orders to proceed directly to and attack h~s camp, and in ease he had not returned tQ it to take the road to the upper ford of the Saint Sebastian, with the expectation of encountering him as he returned to his camp. It will be seen by the inclosed sketch that the enemy had to make a detonr of some 13 miles to reach his camp, from which circumstance I hoped to surprise or intercept him. A mounted vedette gave notice of our ap~oach, and the advance guard only encountered a small num- ber of the rear guard of the enemy, with whom they kept up a scatter- ing but ineffective fire for about a mile, the enemy retreating rapidly, and, being mounted, pursuit was fruitless. I regret to report that a sergeant and 4 men, who were detached from the main body to reconnoiter the ground to the right before the situa- tion of the enemy was discovered, were captured. Aside from this unfortunate occurrence, which is mainly owing to the densely wooded nature of the country, I believe that Lieutenant-Colonel Abbott and the officers and men under him displayed good conduct and judgment. For details I have the honor to refer you to the report of Lieutenant- Colonel Abbott, which is inclosed. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. S. PUTNAM, Cotonet Seventh New Hampshire Votunteers, Comdg. Post- Lient. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- Generat, Tenth Army Corps. No. 2. Report of Lient. Cot. Joseph C. Abbott, Seventh New Hampshire Infantry. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLA., March 10, 1863. SIR: In pursuance of your orders, dated the 9th instant, directing inc to proceed with a detachment of 1~0 men to Fort Peyton and the place of Bartols Masters anti capture, if possible, a party of the enemy iii that vicinity, and also directing me how to proceed in case the part Page 225 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH NEAR ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 225 had left or in case they appeared to be between the Saint Sebastian and North Rivers, I crossed the Saint Sebastian at the bridge opposite Saint Augustine at about 1.30 p. rn. yesterday with detachments of Companies B, D, and F, ma king in all about 120 men, and proceeded at once along the Palatka road toward Fort Peyton, the road running in a southwesterly direction np the left bank of the Matauzas River and from 2 to 3 miles distant from it. When within about 3 miles of Fort Peyton (Bartols Masters l)lace) 2 horsemen were seen in the road and were challenged by cur advance guard, bnt refused to halt and were beyond the range of their rifles. A little more than a mile north of Fort Peyton I sent a sergeant and 4 men to reconnoiter about a house plainly observable th~ ough the pine woods on the right and apparently not much more than a quarter of a mile distant, with instructions to report immediately. This honse, I afterward learned, was occupied by a man named Carrero. About half a mile north of Fort Peyton the advanced guard caine upon the enemy~s pickets and fired npon them. Upon bearing the firing I ordered Lieu- tenant Taylor, of Company B, to advance with 10 men as skirmishers, which was promptly done, while the remainder of the detachment con- tinued to advance. Coming upon a small creek, crossed by a bridge, a few rods beyond where the firing commenced, the skirmishers crossed and deployed on the other side. The skirmishers, in the mean time, were concealed from the main body by a thick growth of trees and bushes. Crossing the bridge at double-quick with the main detachment, as- cending a slight elevation and forming in line, I discovered that the firing was between our skirmishers and those of the enemy a little to the left and in advance of our front. I then ordered Captain Mason, of Company B, to advance in the direction of the firing, while I, with Companies F an(l D, bore to the right upon Masters house, thinking the maui body of the enemy either in or around it. Upon halting at the house we found no one there excepting John Mauncy and Bartols Masters, with their families, none of whom would give any information respecting the main body of the enemy, but told me that 2 wagons be- longing to them had lef~ton the Palatka road, about half an hour before rapidly. The skirmishers of the enemy having now disappeared II recalled Company B and recrossed the creek, intendii~g to go up the Saint Sebastian in pursuit of the main body. In the mean time the men whom I had sent toward Carreros house had not reported, and on arriving opposite the house I sent a corporal and.5 men to ascertain the reason. They returned, bringing with them Carrero himself who stated that the first party had been intercepted by Dickisons (rebel) horsemen, numbering about 80 men, and had been captured. From his statement it appeared evident that the main body of the enemy had seen us as we passed toward Fort Peyton, heard the fir- ing, and retreated hastily toward Palatka. Deeming farther pursuit useless, I returned to a point near the Saint Sebastian bridge, and according to orders reported to you, and pursu- ant to subsequent orders recrosse(l iuto the town. I am, colonel, very respectfully, JOSEPH C. ABBOTT, Lieutenant- Colonel & venth New Hampshire Volunteers. Col. II. S. PUTNAM, AS~eventh Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. 15 R RVOL XI Page 226 226 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. ~CHAr. XIVL MARCH 10, 1863.Reoccupation of Jacksonville, Fla., by Union forces. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gcn. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. IS. Army. BEAUFORT, S. C., March 14, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that the expedition which I sent up the Saint Johns IRiver, Florida, consisting of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Col. T. W. iligginson commanding, and a portion of the Second South Carolina Volunteers, under Colonel Montgomery, captured and took possession of the town of Jacksonville on Tuesday, the 10th instant. As I stated in my last report to you, the object of this expedition was to occupy Jacksonville and make it th~ base of opera- tions for the arming of negroes and securing in this way possession of the entire State of Florida. It gives me pleasure to report that so far the objects of the expedition have been fully accomplished. The town is completely in our possession and many prisoners. There has been constant skirmishing going on for several days, and in every action the negro troops have bahaved with the utmost bravery. Never in a single instance can I learn that they have flinched. It is my belief that scarcely an. incident in this war has caused a greater panic throughout the whole Southern coast than this raid of the colored troops in Florida. The negroes are collecting at Jacksonville from all quarters. There is a great scarcity of muskets in this department. I have endeavored to procure suitable ones for the troops under my command without suc- cess. If ample supplies of Springfield muskets, smoothbore, with bu~k- and-ball cartridges, could be obtained it would be of the greatest ad. vantage for this peculiar service. I am convinced that the enemy will attempt to drive us from our position at Jacksonville. He can only succeed by the failure of our ammunition. I was obliged to send the expedition with only 50 rounds of ammunition for its artillery, a limited supply, but I was unwilling to delay the expedition until supplies could be obtained from the North. I beg leave respectfully to report that I have great difficulty in ob- taining suitable arms from the ordnance depot in this department. It would, in my humble opinion, be of great advantage to the serviee if an officer could be sent here to report for your information upon its condition. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. SAXTON, Brigadier-General of Volnnteers. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida. IIDQRS. PROY. FORCES, DISTRICT EAST FLORIDA, Gamp near Jacksonville, March 14, 1863. GENERAL: J have the honor to report that on the 10th instant Page 227 CHAP. XXVI.] REOCCUPATION OF JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 227 received information from Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding forces at Camp Finegan~ of the arrival at Jacksonville of five gunboats and transl)orts, and the landing of a large number of Abolition troops, said to be negroes. I immediately issued orders by telegraph and ex- press trains for the concentration of all the troops which I could reach within the space of four or five days at the camp in the immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, l)rel)ared to check any movement of the enemy by land into the interior. To do this I am compelled to leave with entirely inadequate protection many important points on the coast whence negroes may escape in large numbers to the enemy and where they have easy access to the interior. On the same evening I l)roceeded to the camp, arriving there near midnight. I here found that the enemy had lauded from five gunboats and transports, and he had occupied the town with so much celerity and secrecy as to have surrounded it with his pickets before the people generally were aware of his presence. The next morning I made a reconnaissance in person, with the cav- alry companies of Captains Stephens and Chambers, of the Second Florida Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant.Colonel McCormick, of the same regiment, and directed Major Brevard, commanding First Bat- talion Partisan Rangers, with the companies of Captains Mays, Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, numbering 200 men, to advance to the immediate vicinity of the town, and cut off, capture, or kill their other pickets. The cavalry detachment under command of Lieutenant-Col- onel McCormick, which I accompanied, advanced into the suburbs of the town, where we found the enemy posted in strong picket force. We were fired upon by their first l)ickets without eft~ct except the disabling of 1 or 2 horses, and drove them into the town. Proceeding farther, we encountered a stronger force, which I estimated to be about two companies of infantry, drawn up in line of battle and advanta- geously posted. These opened on ns unexpectedly, firing alternately by platoons and by file, with some degree of regularity. Our men, at great disadvantage of position, returned their fire with effect and drove them in haste and confusion from their position, killing 2 of whom we are certainly advised and wounding 4 or 5, and we have some rea- son to believe inflicting on them a severe loss. In this skirmish we lost a valuable life in Acting Surgeon Meredith, who accompanied the exI)edition, and was killed in the second skirmish with the enemy. At this point I had expected to meet the infantry detachment under com- mand of Major Brevard, and with them to have retired from the town, capturing such pickets as were posted still farther out. The road taken was shorter than anticipated, and the two skirmishes with the enemy had accelerated our progress, so that we arrived at the place in advance of the infantry. Being under the range of the enemys five gunboats and of his field pieces, we withdrew, bringing oft the body of Surgeon Meredith. Later in the day Major Brevard, commanding the infantry detach- mnent, making his way into the suburbs of the town, encountered in the vicinity of the same place one or two companies of the. enemy drawn up in line under cover of the trees and a house. Feeling the party with skirmishers, he then opened on them with his entire command, when they broke and fled in confusion, having first, however, returned his fire. Major Brevard then withdrew his command, and, a.lthough the enemy opened on them with shelJ from their gunboats, escaped without loss, having inflicted, as we believe, some loss on the enemy. We have ascertained from the reconnaissances and other sources of informatio Page 228 228 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. that the enemy are certainly in large force in Jacksonville; that they are negroes, with white commissioned officers, company and field, and generally mulatto non-commissioned officers. From the best informa- tion that we can gather there may be 4,000 negroes now in the place, with perhaps one company of white troops. That they are expecting re-enforcements and have strongly fortified the place, having cut down all the trees, of which there were a great number, and made of theni barricades and abatis; that they have posted field pieces in all the streets and covering the approaches, and have burned the houses from the river out beyond the suburbs of the town, so as to enable them to sweep with their heavy guns the whole country in rear and oii either side of the place. They keep five boats with guns of long range in front and on the sides of the town, thus enabling them from the conformation of the ground to cover the country for several miles. The object of these formidable preparations, as we gather from our people who have been allowed to come out and as indicated by the probabilities of the case, is to hold the town of Jacksonville and then to advance up the Saint Johns in their gunboats and establish another secure position higher up the river, whence they may entice the slaves. That the en- tire negro population of East Florida will be lost and the country ruined there cannot be a doubt, unless the means of holding the Saint Johns River are immediately supplied. The next movement of the enemy will be to Palatka, and it may be to-day or to-morrow, and will necessitate the division of the force here concentrated. In a short time a similar landing may be effected in the vicinity of Fernandina and another di- vision of the force required. It is impossible to do anything of impor- tance unless I obtain the means asked for. All positions on the river, with the superior weight and number of the enemys guns, are untenable with the means which I possess. I hope the commanding general will be able to supply nie with the means absolutely necessary for the pres. ervation of the people of this district. With the four siege guns asked for I can drive off the enemys gunboats preparatory to an attack on the town. I am to-day a(lvised that the regiment of white troops in Saint Au- gustine have been ordered to re-enforce the enemy at Jacksonville. it is more probable, however, that they will proceed to Palatka, which is an easy march of 30 miles, through an open country, and there estab- lish themselves. With the means at my command I shall not be able to preveut it. To appreciate the danger of the permanent establishment of these posts of negro troops on the Saint Johns River I respectfully submit to the commanding general that a consideration of the topography of the country will exhibit the fact that the entire planting interest of East Florida lies within easy communication of the river; that inter- course will immediately commence between negroes on the plantations and those in the enemys service; that this intercourse will be conducted through swamps and under cover of the night, and cannot be pre- vented. A few weeks will suffice to corrupt the entire slave population of East Florida. I herewith transmit a copy of an address which I deemed it my duty to publish to the people of the State, and which I trust will meet the approval of tbe commanding general; also a copy of general orders, complimentary to the conduct of officers amid men of this command in the two skirmishes of the 11th instant. The whole force which I am able to concentrate at this point, after leaving exposed many important points, will be less than 1,000 men (o Page 229 CHAP. XXVI.] REOCCUPATION OF JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 229 all arms). I further beg leave to urge upon the commanding general the necessity of supplying me with 300 or 400 Enfleld rifles and neces- sary ammunition for iiew recruits and new companies. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding District of Florida. Brig. Gen. ThOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staffi [Inclosuro No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DIsTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Camp near Jacksonville, Fla., March 13, 1863. I feel it my duty as brigadier-general coinnianding this district to inform the people of the district and of the State that our unscrupulous enemy has landed a large force of negroes, under command of white officers, at Jacksonville, under cover of gunboi~ts. He is attempting to fortify the place so as to make it secure against attacks. The purpose of this movement is obvious and need not be mentioned in direct terms. it is sufficient to inspire the whole body of the people with a renewed and sterner purpose of resistance. 1 therefore call on such of the citi- zens as can possibly leave their homes to arm and organize themselves into companies without delay and to report to me. Ammunition, sub- sistence, and transportation will be furnished them while they remain in service. 1 further ask the zealous co-operation of the whole people in forcing into service all persons within the conscript age who yet remain out. With the blessing of the Almighty, the zealous support of the people and the Government, I doubt not that the detestable foe will soon be driven from their c6ver. JOS. FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosuro No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DiSTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, No. . Camp near Jacksonville, March 11, 1863. The brigadier-general commanding desires to notice in general orders the coolness and daring exhibited by the officers and men of this com- mand of detachments of the companies of Capt. W. E. Chambers and Capt. Winston Stephens, of Second Florida Cavalry, and of the corn- l)anies of Capts. S. W. Mays, P. B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, under the command of Maj. T. W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, in two separate sliirmishes with the enemy in the suburbs of Jacksonville on this day. These troops advanced with steadfast bravery while within range of his gunboats amni attacked and drove him from his cover. The brigadier general commanding commends the gallant and meritorious cond act in this affair of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry, commanding cavalry force, and Capts. W. E. Qhamubers and W. Stephens, of Second Cavalry, and their officers and men, and of Maj. T. W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, commanding infantry force, and his captains, S. W. Mays, P. B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, and their officers and men. The command mourns the loss of Surgeon Meredith, who fell by nobly discharging his dnty By order of Brigadier-General Finegan, commanding: W. CALL, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 230 230 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XITI. MARCH 20, 1863.Affair in Saint Andrews Bay, Fla. IREPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, C. S. Army, commanding District of Middle Florida, including affair in Ocklockonnee Bay, Florida, March 24, 1863, with con- gratulatory letter from General Beauregard. No. 2.Maj. W. W. Scott, C. S. Army, First Battalion Florida Infantry. No. 1. Be~port of Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, C. S. Army, commanding Di8trict of Middle Florida, including affair in Ocklockonnee Bay, Florida, March 24, 1863, with congratulatory letter from General Beauregard. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA, Quincy, Fla., March 28, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor of inclosing to you reports of two skir- mishes in this districtthe one at Saint Andrews Bay by a portion of Capt. Robinsons company; the other at Ocklockonnee Bay by a detachment under the command of Captain [G. W.] Scott, of the Second Florida Cavalry.* The first was a party of foraging Yankees who had come ashore to steal and plunder; all but 3 of them were killed.t The second was a Yankee party sent up the Ocklockonnee Bay to capture a schooner (Onward) which had lately run the blockade. The Yankees were in possession of the vessel and attempting to carry it out when discovered. The prompt movements of Captain Scott and his officers and men enabled them to reach the place before the Yankees could succeed; and though for the want of the necessary means they could not recapture the vessel, the Yankees were compelled to abandon and burn it, with a loss, it is believed, of 10 or 12 men killed. In both cases the flag of the Abolit~nists was captured, and I now have them, sub~ ject to the order of the commanding general. We sustained no loss in either affair. There has been no serious demonstration on any part of this district, and I have, in response to the request of Brigadier-General Finegan, sent forward to his support such re-enforcements as 1 felt might be temporarily spared from the district. I have also notified him that if the emergency required it I would still further re-enforce him, and with that view I keep a portion of my command ready to march at a mo- ments notice. if required here they can be promptly returned to me. I am, general, very respectfully, yours, HOWELL COBB, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. General THOMAS JORDAN, Ckief of Staff, Charleston, S. C. IIDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., April 3, 1883.. Brig. Gen. II. COBB, Commanding District of East Florida: GENERAL: The commanding general instructs me, through you, to * See p. 236. I For report of AcIg. Master John Sherrill, commanding U. S. bark Roebuck, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Nayy, December 7, 1863 Page 231 CHAP. XXVI.] AFFAIR IN ST. ANDREWS BAY, FLA. 231 express to Capts. G. W. Scott and Robinson, and the officers, non- commissioned officers, and men of their respective commands, his high sense of their soldierly conduct on the occasions reported severally by Maj. W. W. Scott and Capt. G. W. Scott. By enterprises such as these, conducted with coolness and address and characterized by resolute courage, small detachments of our troops may strike the enemy with such effi~ct as to prevent them from landing within the limits of your command. The flags captured should be sent to these headquarters by some convenient opportunity. If you deem it proper or convenient you might Jiy flag of truce communicate to the commander of the United States forces, to which the Saint Andrews Bay party belonged, the statement of Captain Scott, and demand the surrender of the boat and its arms and equipments, as it stood when snrrendered, and the men, and notify them that nuless this is done that hereafter quarter must be denied under similar circumstances. I am likewise instructed to say to you that the general is much grati- fled by the prompt manner in which you sent assistance to Brigadier- General Finegam Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. No. 2. I~port of Maj. W. W. Scott, C. S. Army, First Battalion Florida Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Marianna, W. Fla., March 22, 1863. DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report to the commanding general an affair of Capt. Robinsons, on Saint Andrews Bay. His report to me is as follows: I proceeded to the town of Saint Andrew8 on the 19th instant with a lieutenant sergeant, and 20 men. Arriving just before ni~ht, I encamped. Yesterday morning [March 20], about 10.300 clock, the enemy came into th. bay in a launch, on which was mounted a brass howitzer (I think a 12-pounder), and lauded an armed party, consisting of an officer and 9 men, 2 men remaining in the boat. They formed and marched down the beach, the boat keeping opposite to them. I formed my men and, taking advantage of a bluff, charged within 75 yards of theni before we were discovered. Being the stronger party I ordered them to surrender, which they refused to do, but attempted to get on their boat. I ordered my men to fire, which brought down 4 or 5. We chhrged into the water after them about waist- deep, which brought us within their musket-range from the boat, and our fire was so hot they could not board her, but swam out into the bay. Several attempted to get on board, but were killed. The men on the boat tried to fire their cannon, but were so badly wounded that they were not able to do so. They finally lowered their flag and asked for quarter. I immediately ordered my men to cease firing. They then asked permission to pick up their men, who were wounded and drowning, which was granted. They got 2 on board; the balance had sunk; and being then nearly out of range, they hoisted sail and escaped with boat. We had no boat to board them and the water was too deep to wade. There were but 3 men in the boat able to sit up, and 1 of them was shot from his seat as they went offi One escaped to the woods and we were unable to capture him, though there is a party still after him. I do not think a single man escaped unhurt, as we could see from the blood that the 2 that remained in the boat were seriously wounded. We got their flag, 4 Minie muskets, 3 cartridge boxes, 3 bayonets; also 1 pair of oars. I should have taken the boat but for their begging quarter Page 232 232 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. I have received the flag captured by Captain Robinson, and will for- ward to the commanding general if he directs me. I am, captain, your obedient, & c., W. W. SCOTT, Major, Commanding. Capt. JAMES BARROW, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 22, 1863.Destruction of steamer Georgiana, off Charleston, S. C. Report of Capt. Charles T. flaskell, Jr., C. S. Army, commanding at Bat- tery Marshall. BATTERY MARSHALL, S. C., March 23, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that between 5 and 6 p. m. yesterday the enemy sent launches to the steamer Georgiana. Shortly after they left her an explosion took place on her decks, carrying away her masts and rigging. I opened fire upon two of his vessels from which the launches were going to and fro at a distance of from 3~ to 4 miles. They, however, keeping in motion, I failed to strike them. I fired four shot and shell. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES T. JIASKELL, JR., Captain, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 2331, l863.Operations near Jacksonville, Pla. REPORTS. No. 1.Col. John D. Rust, Eighth Maine Infantry. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of aol. John D. Rust, Eighth Maine infantry. HILTON HEAD, S. C., April 2, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honcv to make the following report for the iu- formation of the major-general commanding Department of the South: In accordance with orders received I embarked my regiment on board the steamers Delaware and Gencial Meigs, at Beanfort, March 13, for Jacksonville, Fla., where I arrived on the 23d ultimo, having beeti delayed by rough weather. Major Hemingway, with three companies on the General Meigs, had already arrived. When I reached there a rebel battery mounted on a l)latform car propelled by a locomotive was shelling the town. The gunboat Norwich, which accompanied me, en- gnged it, replying vigorously, as did also a rifled Parrott 32-pounder on shore, The enemy were soon driven back. He was, as I afterwar Page 233 ~JHAP. XXVII OPERATIONS NEAR JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 233 learned, making a reconnaissance, which it was his plan to follow up by an attack in force after night-fall. He expected to make the attack so close as to render our gunboats unavailable from the danger of their shells falling among our own men. Everything remained quiet during the night. The fact that our l)ickets had l)reviously been drawn in at night to the edge of town encouraged this I)lan, which was frustrated by the arrival of the Eighth Maine Regiment and placing a night picket afterward at a distance. On Tuesday night the locomotive battery again approached and threw several 68-pounder rifled shells, striking several buildings, but injuring no one. On Wednesday a reconnaissance in force, comm anded by Colonel Rig. ginson, and consisting of five companies of the Eighth Maine, under Lieutenant-Colonel Twitchell; four companies of Sixth Connecticut, un- der Major Meeker, and a portion of Colonel iligginsons colored regiment advanced along the railroad upward of 4 miles, driving in General Fin- egans l)ickets, but were not able to overtake the enemy. After l)roceeding as far as was deemed advisable, and the enemy showing no disposition to accept battle, our forces commenced to return. Soon after the locomotive battei-y appeared and threw several shells, but was careful to keel) out of reach of our rifles. One of its shells killed privates T. G. bole and Joseph Goodwin and severely wounded William Willis, all of Captain McArthurs company (I), Eighth Maine Volunteers, who were the only persons killed or wounded after my arri- val. On this occasion all the troops behaved exceedingly well. Colonel Montgomery, with about 120 men of his regiment, accompanied by Captain Steedmami, of the gunboat Paul Jones, made a successful ex- l)edition to Palatka, Th inil es up the river, taking prisoners a lieutenant and 14 men5 with all their arms. The lieutenant violated his parole of honor and escaped. A quantity of cotton, rifles, ho~ses, and other prop- erty, amounting to several thousand dollars, l~as been captured. In accordance with Special Orders, No. 162, received from Headquar- ters Department of the South, I withdrew all the Union forces from Jacksonville, Fla., March 31, and embarked them on board transports, a part of which bad just arrived for that purpose. While the evacuation was taking I)lace several fires were lit, a por- tion of them undoubtedly by secessionists; these fires were not con- lined to the lines of any regiment. Perhaps twenty-five buildings were destroyed. On my arrival I had found that many buildings had pre- viously been destroyed, soume by rebels. others by Union forces from military necessity. Many Union families came away wil;h us, our soldiers freely making all possible room for them on the transports. The expedition has all returned safely. Much credit is due to Capt. H. Boynton, of Eighth Regiment Maine Volunteers, for the careftml and prudent manner in which he had ad- ministered the afibirs of provost-marshal during our brief stay at Jack- son yule. Captain Caution, of the Delaware and his gentlemanly officers deserve mention tor theli- kiimd treatment of officers and men. JOHN D. RUST, Colonel Eighth Regiment Maine Vols., Commanding Forces. IAeut. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Pepartment of the 8onth Page 234 234 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Lake City, Ela., March 31, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 24th instant I directed Lieutenant [T. E.] Buckman, chief of ordnance, to proceed with the rifled 32-pounder furnished me by Brigadier-General [H.] Cobb, mounted on a platform car on the railroad, and a sufficient infantry support for the gun, to within range of the town, and open on it with shot and shell. In obedience to this order Lieutenant Buckinan proceeded to within 1~ miles of the town and opened on it with effect, throwing shell with great accuracy into those parts of the town where the enemy were located. The gun was admirably served, and great credit is due to Lieutenant Buckman and to Private Francis Souk~, of Captain [Edwin] Wests company, First Special Battalion Florida Volunteers, commanding gun detachment, for its effective service. The firing of the enemy from a large number of heavy guns on their gunboats an(t some in battery soon became concentrated and accurate, and the gun, in pur- suance of orders, was withdrawn after inflicting some damage on the enemy and without loss on our side. On the succeeding morning the enemy advanced in force, about 1,500 strong, in three columns, driving in pickets with skirmishers, and formed in line of battle about 3 miles from town. My entire force was imme- diately ordered with all possible expedition to proceed to the ground where they were drawn up and engage them. The rifled 32-pounder, under command of Lieutenant Buckman, with a strong support of in- fantry and cavalry on left flank, protected on the right by the main body of our troops, was sent down on the railroad, and opened on the enemy as soon as they came within range, gradually approaching them until within full view of a considerable force protected by a 12-pounder Par- rott gun, and engaged in destroying a culvert over which it was necessary for our gun to pass in order to shell the town. Lieutenant Buckman opened on them with effect, throwing shell with great accuracy and dis- persing the party. In the mean time a section of Captain [R. II.] Gambles battery of Florida artillery was ordered sonic little distance in advance of our main body, and under command of Captain Gamble and Lieutenant [F. L.] Villepigue opened on the enemy a cross-fire in the direction where they were supposed to be lying concealed in some force. The enemy had in this fight, in addition to the Parrott gun on the railroad car, a small hand piece, with which he opened in the direction of the firing from Cap- tain Gambles section. He did not await the advance of the main body of our troops, but retired precipitately soon after the 32-pounder gun had opened on him. I continued to throw shell into their column for some distance on their retreat, and found evidence of considerable loss on their parta number of guns, caps, haversacks, canteens, and fragments of human bodies and portions of skulls were found on the several roads occupied by their columns. The conduct and services on this occasion of Lient. T. E. Buckman, chief of ordnance, and of Private Francis Soul6, of Captain Wests company (First Special l3attalion), commanding gun detachment of 32-pounder rifled gun, is again entitled to special commendation. The enemy having retired, I sent forward a strong body of infantry, under command of Major [T. W.] Brevard, First Partisan Rangers Page 235 CHAP. XXYI.J OPERATIONS NEAR JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 235 with orders to hold them in reserve under cover from the enemys guns, and to send forward a body of skirmishers to approach cautiously and ascertain the position of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of the town and endeavor to draw them out in force. The order was executed by Major Brevard with promptness, gallantry, and discretion. The skirmishers, under command of Major Brevard in person, advanced to within a short distance of the town. Finding the enemys pickets drawn into their outer battery (a strong position on the brow of a hill), a ravine in front, and a strong force well posted for its defense and under good cover on either flank, and having no further object to gain, I ordered Major Brevards command to retire, and replacing and strengthening my pickets, returned with the main body of my force to camp, having inflicted on the enemy, as I have reason to believe, a probable loss of 10 or 15 men, without any casualties to my own troops. The conduct and spirit of both officers and men of the entire command were excellent, and I desire to mention favorably to the commanding general Col. Duncan L. Clinch, Fourth Georgia Cavalry; Lieutenant- Colonel [A. II.] McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry; Major [R. B.] Thomas, inspector-general and acting chief of artillery; Maj. T. W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers; Major [Robert] Harrison, Second Florida Cavalry; Major [J. C.] McDonald, Fourth Georgia Cavalry; Captain [Edwin] West, First Special Battalion; Captains [John] Westcott, [Samuel W.] Mays, P. B. Bird, and J. Q. Stewart, of B revards battalion of Partisan Rangers, and Lient. Tucker, com- manding company from camp of instruction, and his officers and men. On the succeeding day (the 26th instant) I placed early in the morn- ing a strong force of infantry, with a battery of artillery, under Major Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, under cover some woods to the right of where the enemy were posted on the 25th instant, with the design of getting in their rear should they again venture out. During the day information reached me that they were out in force, and I again marched to meet them, with the intention of cut- ting them off, but they retired before we got near them. On the night Qf the 26th [instant] they were out in some force attempting to destroy the railroad track about 1 mile from town. Lieutenant Buckman was again ordered with the rifled 32-pounder and an infantry support to drive them in. This he accomplished with a few rounds. On each suc- ceeding da~ I posted a large body of infantry under cover for the pur- pose of cutting off any force that might come out; but the enemy kept closely within their lines in the suburbs of the town and under the im- mediate fire of their gunboats and batteries. On Sunday, the 29th instant, while reconnoitering the town from a position on the river, I discovered it was on fire in several places and that the transports were being loaded with troops. I immediately con- jectured that the enemy were leaving, and pressed on into the town, arriving just after the (leparture of the last gunboat. I found the town in great part consumed, but succeeded in extinguishing the fire in some valuable buildings. There were evidences of precipitate departure by the enemy, and some quartermasters stores were left by them, which were taken and turned over to the proper officers. I regret to report that on the night of the 27th instant Lieutenant [0. F.] Braddock, of Captain [John] Westcotts company Partisan Rangers, who had obtained, through the solicitation of his officers, permission to proceed to the east bank of the Saint Johns River to bring across the wives and children of men in the service who were there destitute and exposed to the outrages of the negro troops of the enemy, after havin Page 236 236 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL crossed the river, some 12 miles above my camp, and met the wagons sent by his captain to convey the women and children, was captured, with 15 men, 2 wagons, and 8 mules, by a force of the enemy under Col. Montgomery. The mules were recovered by a force which I sent in pursuit, but the wagons were burned by the enemy and the women aud children carried off. I have ordered the arrest of this offi- cer (who subseqnently escaped from his captors), and will ask for his trial by court-martial whenever the proper wituesses can be produced. The fortifications erected by the enemy around Jacksonville were for- midable. I desire to bring to the notice of the commanding general in the high- est terms of praise the conduct and services of both officers and men of the command in the recent operations, and herewith transmit a copy of General Orders, No. 12, issued by me, to which I beg to refer the com- manding general for special mention of instances of individual merit. I will, however, here mention as pre-eminently entitled to consideration the services and conduct of Licut. T. E. Buckman, chief of ordnance on my staff, a most accomplished, brave, ingenious, and energetic offi- cer, and Privates Francis Soul6, of Captain XXe5t5 company, First Special Battalion, and James Chestnut, of Captain Chambers company, Second Florida Cavalry; also Capts. W. E. Chambers and Winstoll Stephens of the Second Florida Cavalry, and their officers and men. I have ascertained that the enemys force in Jacksonville was as fol- lows: Eighth Maine 1,100 strong; Sixth Connecticut, 800 strong (whites); First South Carolina Volunteers (black troops), commanded by Col. T. W. Higginson, a full regiment, estimated from 900 to 1,500; Second South- Carolina Volunteers (blacks), Colonel Montgomery com- manding, not full. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, JOS. FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of kStaff Charleston, S. C. MARCH 24, 1863.Affair in Ocklockonnee Bay, Fla. Report of Capt. C. TV. Scott, C. S. Army, Second Florida ~iJavalry.* NEWPORT, FLA., March 24, 1863. COLONEL: Having received your order of 23d instant to assist Lieu- tenant [II. K.] Simmons, at Roberts Ferry, at 2.30 a. m. of the 24th instant, I have the honor to report that within an hour after the receipt of the order to report I left my camp at Newport with a detachment of 30 men of my company for the point designated, having previously ordered a like force from Company I, Se~nd Florida Cavalry, to accom- jpany me. At8a. in., having accomplished a distance of 30 miles in four and a half hours, I reached with my command a point on the Ocklockonnee Bay, where the schooner Onward, a l)rize in the hands of the enemy, was aground. Having joined forces with Lieutenant Simmons, com * For report of Actg. Master Richard J. Hoffuer, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 7, 1863 Page 237 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT PALATKA, FLA. 237 manding a detachment of Captain [XV. II.] Miltons company (0), Second Florida Cavalry, who had been watching the movemeiYts of the enemy during the night, I determined on an immediate attack, and disposed my troops accordingly. A reconnaissance having been effected by Lieutenant Simmons, and the men having been dismounted, I advanced the command at a double-quick through the open woods to the beach and opened on the enemy with Maynard rifles at a distance of about 300 yards. The enemy replied with shell and grape from a howitzer they had mounted on the prize and with musketry. After a spirited engage- ment, which was maintained for an hour and ten minutes, the enemy abandoned the prize and succeeded in making their escape in small l)OatS, having previously fired the schooner to prevent its falling into our possession. The loss of the enemy in this engagement it is not possible to deter- mine accurately. When the action commenced from 24 to 28 men were counted on the deck of the schoouer, and at its termination not more than from 9 to 12 were seen to escape in the boats. Many were seen to fall while the action was in progress. On our side not a man was hurt. T1x~ enemy fled precipitately, leaving behind their flag, which, througli Sergeant Strickland, of Company 0-, Second Florida Cavalry (whose gallantry in rescuing it from the burning vessel I would desire in an especial manner to commend), fell into our possession. I cannot too highly extol the coolness and bravery displayed by the troops under my command on this occasion. Without exception they behaved with the greatest gallantry, evincing the utmost composure in the face of danger. To Lieutenant Simmons, of Company 0-, Second Florida Cavalry, I am indebted for valuable assistance, and take pleasure in referring to the gallantry displayed by him throughout the engagement. The detachment of 30 men from Company I, Second Florida Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant [J.] Tucker, I regret to state, did not arrive at the scene of action until 10.30 p. In. of the same day, at least an hour after the engagement had terminated. All of which is respectfully submitted. 0-. W. SCOTT, Captain, Commanding. MARCH 27, 1863.Skirmish at Palatka, Fla. Report of Capt. J. J. Dickison, C. S. Army, commanding post, and con gratu latory orders. CAWEP LEO, Palatha, E. Fla., March 27, 1803. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report to you a signal victory over the enemy, which occurred at this place about 7 a. in., as they were making an attempt to land their forces. On the day before my pickets reported a boat coming up the river. I immediately marched to town as infantry, leaving my horses in camp, and took a position previously selected by me, placing one detachment of 30 men, under Lieutenant [W. II.] McCardell, within 50 yards of the river to cover one of the positions which [where] it was supposed the enemy might make an effort to land; the other, nnder command of Lieutenant [XV. J.] McEaddy, of 10 men, to cover one of the mai Page 238 238 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL streets in town. My command consisted of 50 men, and I occupied a position within about 100 yards of Teasdale & IRieds upper wharf. Scarcely had we our positions when the boat hove in sight and anchored about 1~ miles off, opposite Mr. Bazas, on the east bank of the river, then about 4 p. m. I discovered that there was constant communica- tion between the gunboat and the opposite side of the river by means of small boats, but at the time could not discover the causes, & c. At night I covered all the landings above and below the town with my pickets, with instructions that they would report to me at daybreak without fail, as I was under the impression that the enemy would make an effort to land early in the morning. We held our positions firmly during the night, but were not disturbed. About daylight I discovered that the enemy again communicated with the opposite side of the river (at Mr. Bazas). A short time after sunrise they moved up slowly and landed at Teasdale & IRieds Wharf. Having nothing to cover my men from their view but a l)lank fence and an intrenchment thrown up during the night, I ordered all to lie close and keep concealed, at the same time occupying a position myself so as to watch every movement of the enemy. No sooner had the boat struck the wharf than they sent a man ashore, evidently as a spy, as he was familiar with the place, being afterwards informed by some of my men that he was Bill IRoe, well known as the engineer of the steamer Saint Marys. As soon as he returned to the boat they commenced landing their forces. So soon as I saw 30 or 40 men on the wharf, and at the same time the upper and lower deck of the boat crowded as thick as they could stand, I ordered my men to fire, which order was executed in as cool and delib- erate a manner and in as good order as any men could do. The enemy immediately retreated to their boat in great confusion, dragging their dead and wounded after them, and as [in] falling back returned our fire both by small-arms as well as heavy and light artillery, throwing shell, grape, and canister-shot, moving as rapidly as their steam could carry them under cover of their heavy fire, & c. They fell back opposite Mr. Bazas and ordered their land forces to fall back, which had been marched up from Orange Mill the evening previous (70 or 80 negroes, with white officers). This transport had on board three or four pieces of light artillery mounted as usual for such guns. I cannot be mistaken in this, as my position gave me the best opportunity to observe them closely. We suppose the forces on board from 600 to 700 under command of the notorious Montgomery. He acknowledged to the Hon. T. T. Russell that his whole regiment was on board, except the 70 or 80 negroes landed on the east bank of the river. My candid opinion is that we must have killed and wounded not less than from 20 to 30. Among the wounded, we are informed, was the illustrious colonel himself. This was acknowledged to several parties on the river; but among the strongest proofs of some accident befalling their leading officer is that they drew off from the wharf in great haste as soon as they could take in their dead and wounded under cover of their heavy artillery. Among the trophies on the wharf was a considerable quantity of blood in several places and also many frag- ments of bone, pronounced by the surgeon of the post here pieces of cranium. I cannot speak in too high terms of my men for their cool and deliber- ate action under heavy fire of the enemy. This transport was supposed to be the Ben De Ford, the largest ever up the river; and it was thought by good judges that she would carry at least 1,000 troops. The position of my two detachments was such that they were unable to fire, in cons Page 239 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH AT PALATKA, FLA. 239 quence of the large warehouse concealing the enemy from them. They held their position as ordered, to be ready to attack him if he had ad- vanced into the town as we expected. Every order was obeyed and car- ried out to my satisfaction. Had he advanced, as we expected, we should no doubt have had a close and desperate engagement; but the vandals, satisfied with their warm reception, thought best to retire as quick as possible. They proceeded down to Orange Mill and took on board their land forces, several negroes, horses, and plunder, of which they had robbed the good citizens on that side of the river. They committed great dep- redations in their raid from Orange Mill up to Mr. Sanchez, taking everything they could lay their hands uponnegroes, horses, and pro- visions of all kinds. They were guilty even of breaking open the trunks of helpless women, stealing and destroying the contents. Hon. T. T. iRussell informs me that in conversation with Montgomery he said that he would the next day occupy Palatka and in a few days have 4,000 or 5,000 troops at that place, and as he had his own provost-marshal, he wanted all the citizens on that side of the river to report at their earliest convenience. Excuse my lengthy report, as I deem it my duty to give you all the details and real acts of such demons. My little command is again ready for them, and will contest every inch of ground if he should attempt an- other landing. I had 1 man slightly wounded in the thigh by a frag- ment of shell. Thank God, none killed. All in fine spirits J. J. DICKISOK, Captain, Commanding Company H and Post. Capt. W. CALL, Headquarters, Camp Finegan, East Florida. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Lake Cit~, Fla., April 11, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding gen- eral. I have ascertained that Lieutenant-Colonel [Liberty] Billings, of the First South Carolina (negro) Regiment, was wounded in four places in the attempt of the enemy to land at Palatka. JOS. FIKEGAK, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, No. 244. f Lake (Jity, April 11, 1863. The brigadier-general commanding has much pleasure in commending in the highest degree the gallantry and bravery of Capt. J. J. Dickison, Company H, Second Florida Cavalry, his officers and men, in their vic- tory over the enemy, on the 27th March, at Palatka. The enemy landed in large force, and were doubtless sure of an easy victory at so isolated a point, but they were met by Captain Dickison and his gallant men with a coolness and daring deserving the emulation of all soldiers. They attacked the enemy with their small-arms, and in comparatively open view of the formidable batteries of their gunboat, and drove them on board in the greatest confu4on, killing and wounding many, and with- our loss to themselves. The brigadier-general commanding also notices with the highe~ a Page 240 240 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. probation the vigilance and good services of this company ever since its entrance upon the active duties of the service. Being stationed at au isolated point, at a long distance from support, they have performed their duty well and laitlifully, and have rendered as useful service to the country, and particularly to the civil interests of the district, as any other troops in the world of the same number could have done, and they deserve in the highest degree the thanks not only of the commanding general but of the whole district. By order of Brigadier-General Finegan.: J~. B. THOMAS, Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 7, 1863.Engagement in Charleston Harbor, S. C. REPORTS, ETC.* No. 1.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No. 2.Maj: D. B. Harris, C. S. Engineers, Chief Engineer. No. 3.Maj. William H. Echols, C. S. Engineers. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First Military District. No. 5.Col. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fort Sumter. No. 6.Lieut. E. Priolean Ravenel, First South Carolina Artillery. No. 7.Brig. Gen. J. H. Trapier, C. S. Army, commanding on Sullivans Island. No. 8.Col. Lawrence M. Keitt, Twentieth South Carolina Infantry. No. 9.Col. William Butler, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding Fort Moultrie. No. 10.Lient. Col. J. C. Simkins, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding Bat- tery Bee. No. 11.Capt. J. A. Sitgreaves, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Battery Beauregard. No. 12.Lient. Col. A. T. Dargan, Twenty-first South Carolina Infantry. No. 13.Maj. C. K. Huger, South Carolina Artillery, commanding artillery oa Morris Island. No. 14.Col. A. D. Frederick, Second South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fort Johnson, James Island. No. 15.Lient. W. T. Glassell, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. steamer Chicora. No. 16.Thanks of the South Carolina Legislature. No. 17.Capt. Henry S. Taift, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer Department of the South. No. 1. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. IIDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., May 19, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit with this the report of Brigadier-General Ripley, commanding the First Military District * The reports of the U. S. naval commanders are published with the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, dated December 7, 1863. See also Hunter to Lincoln, May 22, 1863, in Correspondence, etc., po8t Page 241 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 241 South Carolina, of the battle of the 7th ultimo, together with the reports of his subordinate officers, and of Majs. D. B. Harris and W. II. Echols, Provisional Engineer Corps. The accumulation of the enemys troops, transports, and iron-clad vessels at Port Royal during the months of February and March and subsequently in the North Edisto and Stono Rivers, having convinced me that the long-threatened attack on Charleston was immediately im- pending, every possible precaution was at once made for the exigency, including the concentration at strategic points in this vicinity of all available troops for the defense of the several land approaches to the positioii, and provisions for the further and rapid concentration upon this point of forces from other of the military subdivisions of the de- partinent. On the 5th of the month the enemys iron-dads of the monitor class appeared and anchored off the bar, which they crossed on the follow- ing day, accompanied by the iron-mailed frigate New Ironsides, bearing the admiralS pennant. On the 7th of April, in the afternoon, the enemy moved forward to the attack in single file, seven sin gle-turreted monitors, to wit: Wee. hawken, Catskill, Montauk, Nantucket, Passaic, Nahant, an~ Patapsco; the Keokuk, with two fixed turrets, and the New Jronsides, the Wee- hawken leading and the New Ironsides fifth in the order of battle. By 3 oclock p. m. the head of the hue had come within easy range of Forts Sumter and Moultrie, and Batteries Beauregard, Bee, Cummings Point, and Wagner; a few minutes later the first gun was fired from Fort Moultrie, and soon the engagement became general. On our side seventy-six guns of various calibers, including nine mortars and fifteen smooth-bore 32-pounders, were brought to bear on the fleet, which car- ried thirty-two guns of the heaviest calibers ever used in war, to wit, 15 and 11-inch Dahlgm-en guns and 8-inch rifled pieces. The Weehawken, in advance, provided with a contrivance for catch- ing and exploding torpedoes, was soon compelled to retire before the iron storm it encountered. The New Ironsid~s, at the distance of 1,700 yards from Fort Sumter, was frequently struck, and was next forced to fall back out of range, evidently injured. The Keokuk, having mean time approached to about 900 yards of Fort Sumter, was quickly riddled, her guns silenced, and she wa~ withdrawn from the fight vitally crippled. The remaining monitors, six in number, with twelve guns, maintained their fire until 5.25 p. in., when they too retired out of range of our bat- teries and came to anchor, four of them hors do combat and one of them (the Passaic) so disabled as to make it necessary to send her under tow at once to Port Royal. On the following morning the full extent of the injury done to the Keokuk was shown, as she sunk at her anchors in the shallow water off Morris Island. Her armament, two 11-inch Dahlgren guns, two U. S. flags, two pennants, and three signal flags have since been taken from her, and the former are now in position for effective servicesubstantial trophies of the affair. The New Ironsides and six monitors remained at anchor within the bar, but out of effective range of any of our works, until the afternoon of the 12th of April, their crews and a corps of mechanics visibly and actively employed re- pairing damages and apparently preparing to renew the attack; then, weighing anchor, they all recrossed the bar, the New Ironsides to resume her l)osition as one of the blockading fleet and the monitors (four of them in tow) to return to Port Royal. For the details of this conflict I lAi~ H HVOL ~I Page 242 242 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA [CHAP. XXVL beg to refer to the several reports herewith submitted; but it may not be amiss to recapitulate some of the salient results. The action lasted two hours and twenty-five minutes, but the chief damage is reported by the enemy to have been done in thirty minutes. The Keokuk did not come nearer than 900 yards of Fort Sumter; she was destroyed. The New Ironsides could not stand the fire at the range of a mile; four of her consorts (monitors) were disabled at the distance of not less than 1,300 yards. They had only reached the gorge of the harbornever within it and were baffled and driven back before reach- ing our lines of torpedoes and obstructions, which had been constructed as an ultimate defensive resort as far as they could be provided. The heaviest batteries had not been employed. Therefore it may be accepted, as shown, that these vaunted monitor batteries, though formidable en- gines of war, after all are not invulnerable nor invincible, and maybe destroyed or defeated by heavy ordnance properly placed and skill- fully handled. In reality they have not materially altered the military relations of forts and ships. On this occasion the monitors operated under the most favorable circumstances. The day was calm, and the water consequently was as stable as of a river; their guns were fired with deliberation, doubtless by trained artillerists. According to the enemys st4tements the fleet fired 151 shots; 8 of which are ascribed tci the New Ironsides, 3 to the Keokuk, and but 9 to the Passaic, which was so badly damaged. Not more than 34 shots took effect on the walls of Fort Sumtera broad markwhich, with the number of discharges, suggests that the monitor arrangement as yet is not convenient for accu- racy or celerity of fire. Fort Moultrie and our other batteries were not touched in a way to be considered, while in return they threw 1,399 shots. At the same time Fort Sumter discharged 810 shots, making the total number of shots fired 2,209, of which the enemy report that 520 struck the different vessels; a most satisfactory accuracy when the smallness of the target is considered. This precision was due not only to the discipline and practice of the garrisons engaged, but in no slight degree to an in- vention of Lient. Col. Joseph A. Yates, First Regiment South Carolina Artillery, which had been applied to many of our best guns, and which shall as fast as possible be arranged for all the heavy ordnance in the de- partment. By this felicitous device our guns were easily held trained upon the monitors, although the latter were constantly in movement, and this with but 5 men at the heaviest pieces. The reports of the engineers herewith will show the precise extent of the damage inflicted on Fort Sumter. It is sufficient for me to say that at the time the enemy quit these waters the work was capable of resist- ing as formidable an attack as the one it had just foiled. For the casualties of the day, so slight, I must refer you to the reports herewith. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men in all the works engaged for their spirit, gallantry, and discipline, which indeed I had a right to expect froni the high soldierly condition into which these garrisons had been brought by their officers. My expecta- tions were fully realized, and the country as well as the State of South Carolina may well be proud of the men who first met and vanquished the iron-mailed, terribly armed Armada, so confidently prepared and sent forth by the enemy to certain and easy victory. To the professional resources, skill as an artillery officer, intelligent and indefatigable zeal and assiduity of Brigadier-General Ripley, com- manding the First Military District, and especially charged with the de- fense of the harbor, much is due for the completeness of the defenses and the proud results of the 7th of April. lIe was ably seconded by hi Page 243 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 8. C. 243 subordinate commanders, whose services he has fitly noticed in his own report. To Col. A. J. Gonzales, chief of ordnance and artillery, and Maj. D. B. Harris, chief engineer, and Maj. W. H. Echols, Provisional Engineer Corps, and their several assistants II return my thanks for valuable serv- ices in their respective departments. I have also to~ record my obligations to the Hon. William Porcher Miles, Representative in Congress, for constantly exerted services in securing for the defense of Charleston so many of the heaviest guns wielded so effectually. The Confederate States iron-clad ships Palmetto State and Chicora, under the command of Capt. J. R. Tucker, C. S. Navy, as soon as the enemy advanced to the attack, took their positions, previously arranged, ready to perform their part in the conflict at th~ opportune moment. On the day after the combat Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. Navy, arrived here from North Carolina with an effective detachment of sailor artil- lerists to tender service in any battery. He was assigned to a most responsible positionCummings Point Batterybut was in three days thereafter recalled by the Navy Department. The flags and trophies sent herewith were taken from the wreck of the Keokuk by Lieut. W. T. Glassell, C. S. Navy. The more material trophies, two 11-inch Dahlgren pieces, now in battery, were recovered under the supervision of General Ripley by the mechanical - resources and energy of Mr. Adolphus LaCoste, employ6 of the district ordnance department, assisted by parties from the garrison of Fort Sumter, under command of Lieut. S. Cordes Boyleston, and Lients. J. M Rhett and K. Kemper, First Regiment South Carolina Artillery. The enemys land forces, collected in considerable strength on Sea. brook Island, and in transports in North Edisto River and on Folly, Coles, and other islands about the mouth of the Stono River, made no attempt to co-operate actually with the naval attack. In conclusion, I shall avail myself of the occasion to give as my opin- ion that the best, the easiest, way to render Fort Sumter impregnable would be to arm, conformably to its original plan, both tiers of case- mates and the barbette, with the heaviest guns, rifled or smooth-bore, that can be made. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [Inclosur..] (Copied from UnIted States Jouraa~s.J Eounds. New Ironsides fired . - 8 Catskill fired 25 Keokuk fired 3 Montauk fired 26 Nantucket fired . - 15 Passaic fired 9 Naliant fired 24 Weeliawken fired 26 Patapsco fired 15 15 Page 244 244 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (Ciiir. XXVX New Ironsides received of 8liots 65 Keokuk received of shots 90 Weehawken received of shots 60 Montauk received of shots 20 Passaic received of shots 58 Nantucket received of shots. 51 Catskill received of shots 51 Patnpsco received of shots . 45 Naliant received of shots 80 520 THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of & atf. IIDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. 0., October 15, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. Army: GENERAL: In a published circular (No. 39) of the State Department at Washington, signed by Mr. William II. Seward, and addressed to the diplomat ic agents of the Government abroad, I notice a statement relative to the defeat of the enemys iron-clad fleet in the attack on Fort Sumter on the 7th April last so contrary to the actual facts of the case that I feel called upon, as commander of this military depart- ment, most emphatically to deny the trnth of that version, which is as follows: An attack by the fleet, on the 7th of April last, upon the forts and batteries which defend the harbor of Charleston failed because the rope obstructions in the channel fouled the screws of the iron-dads afid compelled them to return after passing through the tire of the batteries. These vessels bore the fire of the forts, although some de- fects of construction were revealed by the injuries they received. The crews passed through an unexam]lcd cannonade with sinoular im board a monitor. punity. Not a life was lost on From the inclosed reports* of Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley, Col. William Butler, and Col. Alfred Rhett, who commanded at that period respect- ively in this military district the batteries on Sullivans Island and Fort Sumter, it will be seen that 1st. No iron-dads came nearer than about 600 Vards of the rope ob- structions, except the disabled Keokuk, which drifted in to about 300 yards before it could be again got under way but in a sinking condi- tion, consequently the propellers of the iron dads never could have become entangled in the rope obstructions. 2d. The iron-dads never passed through the fire of the batteries, for ~ they never approached nearer than from 1,100 to 1,300 yards of the outer batteries, except the Keokuk, which came up to about 900 yards and was sunk. None of the iron-dads came within range of the heaviest batteries in Fort Sumter and on Sullivans Island, which they would have been compelled to do on entering the harbor. 3d. The fleet did not escape without material injury, for one of the number, the Keokuk, was sunk, and its armament is now in position for defense of Charleston on our own batteries. Another monitor had to be sent to New York for extensive repairs, and several others were sent to Port Royal also for Tepairs. 4th. Not a life may have been lost on the iron-dads, but on examina- tion of the wreck of the Keokuk its hull was found penetrated, and the 10-inch round shots and 7-inch rifled bolts had made clean holes through See pp. 10151017 Page 245 ChAP. XXVtJ tNGAGEMI3~Nt IN CHARLESTON HARI3Ok, s. o. 245 its turrets. Several United States flags, 3 officers swords, pistols, & c., a quantity of bloody clothes and blankets were found on board. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. No. 2. Report of J1ft~j. D. B. Harris, C. S. Engineers, Chief Engineer. OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, Charleston, S. C., April 28, 1863. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions Major Echols has made a report in detail of the engagement on the 7th instant of the enemys iron-clad fleet with the forts and batteries commanding the outer harbor of this city, which 1 have the honor to haiid you herewith. This report is based upon information derived from the commanding officers of the forts and batteries engaged in the fight and upon an ex- amination in company with myself of those works on the 8th and 9th instant. The fire of the enemy was directed chiefly against Fort Sumter at a distance of from 900 to 1,500 yards. The injuries to the fort, of which the tables and drawings accompanying Major Echols report give an accurate description, were not of a character to impair its efficiency. The crushing effect of the enemys heavy missiles was less than I had anticipated. The chief damage was probably caused by the explosion of shells against and in the walls of the fort. The manner in which the fort withstood the bombardment is a mat- ter of congratulation, and encourages us to believe that the repairs that have been, made and the measures now in progress to strengthen and protect its walls will enable the fort to withstand a much more formida- ble bombardment with like good results. Of the other works engaged, none of which attracted much of the ene1ny~s attention, only one (Fort Moultrie) received any damage, and that was very trivial. Fort Moultrie, Battery Wagner, and Cummings Point Battery fired upon the fleet at a distance of from 1,200 to 1,500 yards; Batteries Bee aiid Beauregard, at a distance of from 1,600 to 2,000 yardstoo far, in the case of the latter-named batteries, for useful effect against iron- dads. Our batteries were admirably served by our skilled artillerists. Much of the rapidity and accuracy with which our heavy guns were fired was due to the use of Colonel Yates traverser, with the merits of which the general comuranding has been fully impressed. Our batteries discharged about 2,200 shot of all sorts; the enemys fleet about 110, chiefly 15-inch shell and 11-inch solid shot; not less than 80 of which were directed at Fort Sumter. The sinking of the Keokuk and the discomfiture of other iron-dads has established their vulnerability to our heavy projectiles at a range, say, of from 900 to 1,200 yards. It appeare(l on an examination of the wreck of the Keokuk, on the 16th instant, by Lieutenant Boyleston, confirmed in the main by my own observations on the 19th instant, that her turrets withiu 4~ feet of their tops had been pierced by four 10-inch shot and one 7-inch rifl Page 246 24~ COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [cHAP. XXVI. shot, and a wrought-iron Brooke bolt had penetrated seven-eighths of its length and stuck in the plating. Several severe indentations were also observed, near which the plates were warped and the bolts broken or started. The top of the smoke-stack of sheet-iron was very much torn, and the bottom of itof similar structnre to the turretspierced by a 10-inch shot. The vessel having sunk in 13 feet of water prevented an examination of the lower portions of her turrets or of her hull, which no doubt were served in like manner. From this it would appear that the 10-inch shot are just as effective at the distance, say, of 900 yards, as the 7-inch Brooke bolts against such structures as the turrets of the Keokuk. The result of this engagement is highly gratifying, and increases our confidence in our ability, with good batteries of suitable guns, to con- tend successfully with vessels of the monitor class. The enemys evi- dent and just dread of torpedoes, as evinced in his preparation for their explosion by the devil or torpedo.searcher, should induce us to mul- tiply our defenses of that character in whatsoever manner they can be made available. I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully, D. B. HARRIS, Major and Chief of Engineers. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of & aff. No. 3. Report af Maj. William H. Echols, C. AS~. Engineers. CONFEDERATE STATES ENGINEERS OFFICE Charleston, S. 0., April 9, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the engage- ment between Fort Sumter and the enemys iron-clad fleet on the 7th April, 1863, at 3 oclock p. in., lasting two hours and twenty-five minutes. The incidents which transpired during the engagement are based upon information received from the officers in charge of the works, but more particularly from the observations of Colonel Rhett, commanding Fort Sumter, and Lieut. S. C. Boyleston, adjutant First Regiment South Caro- lina Artillery, who made special observations during the whole action; the remainder from personal inspection afterward. Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Batteries Bee, Beauregard, Cummings Point, and Wagner were engaged. The fleet consisted of the Ironsides, sup- posed armament sixteen guns; the Keokuk, two s~tationary turrets, car- rying one gun each, and seven single revolving turreted vessels, carry- ing, supposed, two guns in each, presumed to be the Montauk, Passaic, Weehawken, Patapsco, Nahant, Catskill, and Nantucket, which took position from 900 to 1,500 yards from Fort Sumter. They steamed up main Ship Channel toward Fort Moultrie in line of battle as follows: Four single turrets, Ironsides, three single turrets, and Keokuk, following one after the other at intervals of about 300 yards, the foremost one moving slowly, and carrying on her prow the devil, or torpedo-searcher, a description and drawing of which are appended. When within 2,200 yards Fort Moultrie fired the first gun upon her near buoy No.3, then distant about 1,500 yards from Fort Sumter, which had previously trained her battery of barbette guns upon the buoy, and opened fire by battery when she reached that position, at three minutes past ~.oc1ock Page 247 OHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARI3OR, s. ~. 247 The first turret opened fire at five minutes past 3, and moved back- ward, thus developing their maneuver of attack. At this moment the engagement became general. The second turret passed the first, fired, moved backward; the first moved forward, passed the second,, fired, and backed, then retired from action; the other turrets maneuvering iu the same relative manner, each time nearing or receding a little from the fort in order not to present a permanent target. The Ironsides, when at 1,700 yards from Moultrie and 2,000 yards from Sumter, stopped, discharged a battery at the former, when Sum- ter concentrated a heavy fire upon her. Numbers of shot were seen to strike her and several to penetrate, three at least, in her wooden stern. Deeming 2,000 yards too close quarters she retired out of range, sup- posed injured, in favor of less prominent and more formidable imps, after an engagement of forty -five minutes. The Keokuk, at five min- utes past 4, defiantly turning her prow directly toward Sumter, firing from her forward turret gun, the batteries of Sumter, Moultrie, Bee, and Cummings Point were concentrated upon her, her turrets receiving numbers of well-directed shots, several apparently penetrating, showed evidence of considerable damage. When within 900 - yards she was struck, supposed by a wrought-iron bolt, 117 pounds, from a 7-inch Brooke rifle en~ barbette, near her bow, penetrating and ripping up a plating about 6 feet long and 24 wide, which ended her career. She stopped, seemed disabled for a few minutes, then turned to the channel, and proceeded toward the bar at forty-five minutes to 4. She sank off the south end of Morris Island at half-past 8 oclock the following morn- ing. Her smoke-stack and turrets are now visible at low water. From her wreck floated ashore a book, a spy-glass, and pieces of furniture, bespattered with blood, and small fragments of iron sticking in them. The firing of the turrets was timed. They discharged generally at in- tervals of ten minutes. The engagement lasted two hours and twenty- five minutes. Allowing six of them constantly engaged, they delivered 87 shots; one fired twice and retired; the Keokuk fired three or four times and the Ironsides about 17, making the total number fired by the enemy about 110, which were principally directed at Sumter. Her walls show the effect of 55 missilesshot, shell, and fragments. The carriage of a 10-inch columbiad on western face was completely demolished by a shot coming over the parapet; a 42-pounder rifle on northeast face dis- mouuted by breaking a traverse-wheel; both soon remounted in position; four small holes knocked in the roof of the eastern quarters by grazing shots; an 8-inch columbiad burst on the eastern face, throwing the chassis and half the reinforce over the parapet, the other half over the quarters in the parade, demolished the carriage, but did no other dam- age; nearly all the window-panes and some of the sashes in the fort were broken by concussion. The accompanying table of effects of shot and sketches of the eleva- tions of the faces show the points of impact, the kind of projectile used, so far as could be ascertained by inspection and found; they were prin- cipally 15-inch shells and 11-inch shot. The nature of the material against which they were projected crumbling generally without retain- ing an impression precludes any positive information as to their exact kind or caliber; only a few were evident. To the best of my judgment, according to the effect, eight 15-inch shells struck the faces; two of these penetrated the wall of the eastern face just below the embrasu~es in the second tier next to the east pan eoujp6, not seriously damaging the masonry, one exploding in the casemate set fire to some bedding; the other passed through a window and burst in the center of the fort Page 248 248 COASTS OF S. C., CA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. LOHAP. XXVI. Several exploded in contact with the wall, by which the principal craters appear to have been formed. One passed over the parapet into the quarters on the western side, exploded, dam aging several walls. Five 11-inch shot struck the faces; one, penetrating near one of the same em- brasures pierced by the 15-inch shell, broke through and stuck into the interior wall of the quarters. Only one impression represeuted any appearance of a rifle projectile. One 15-inch solid shot, one 15.inch hollow shot, several 15-inch shells and 11-inch shot were found in and around the fort. Fragments of 15-inch shells were picked up on the outside. The berine being very narrow and sloping prevented any means of ascertaining by the bodies themselves their kind, all being l)recipitated into the water after striking. It i~ reported also that several shrapnel were fired over the barbette guns of Sumter. Some of the shells which ~xp1oded in contact with the wall may probably have been percussion rifle shells, as some of the turrets are known to carry 8-inch rifles, but no fragments were found, nor do any of the officers re- l)ort indications of rifle projectiles by sound or otherwise, with but one exception. The commanding officer of Battery Wagner retorts one by sound to have passed over, fired by the Ironsides. Nine shots were fired at Moultrie at distancesof turrets, 1,300 yards; of Ironsides 1 700 yards. Au il-inch shot struck down the flag-staff a~ ~ thirty-seven min- utes past 3, passed through the roof of the quarters, penetrated the wall of the ordnance store-house, about 2 feet thick, and dropped in the room; another struck the glacis and ricochetted over the fort; a third, a 15-inch shell, burst at the waters edge, a fragment of which was found; the others passed over. Five shots were fired at Battery Bee, without effect, at a (listance of about 2,000 yards; one fell behind the breakwater; another passed along the front of the battery and burst; the others l)assed over. Six or seven were fired at Battery Beauregard, at a distance of 2,000 yards, without effect; two 11-inch shot were found. Two were fired at Cummings Point without effect- one at 1,200 or 1,300 yards, from Ironsides; the other at 1,400 to 1,500 yards, from a turret. Four were fired at Battery Wagner; one from Ironsides sounded like a rifle shot passing through the air; one grazed top of traverse; another exploded over the battery, sending a fragment into a traverse. A single turret, which fired her two guns simultaneously, ceased to fire one of them at about 4 oclock, half of the port being closed the re- mainder of the action; cause not visible. They were frequently struck upon their decks, and several shot were seen sticking iii the hull of one ot them, and from another steam issued when struck upon it. A cast- iron bolt rifle 42, struck a leveled plate or guard around the base of a turret, which curved and turned one end up. The projectiles generally broke in pieces, as could be seen by frag- ments falling in the water, or bounded from the vessel. One,after striking, was observed to drop and rest at the foot of the turret. Sev- eral of the smoke-stacks were penetrated. A lookout appeared on top of one of the turrets, apparently observing the effect of the shot; at the flash of a battery from Moultrie he in- stantly disappeared. The casualties are slight. At Sumter 5 men were wounded by frag- ments of masonry and wood. One of the negroes engaged at work at the fort, who was sitting on the berine of the western face, was wounded by a brick knocked from the parapet and falling upon his head Page 249 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN OHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 249 At Moultrie 1 man was killed by the falling of the flag-staff when shot away. At Battery Wagner an ammunition chest in the angle of the parapet and traverse in the chamber of the 32-pounder exploded from the blast of the gun, killing 3 men, mortally wounding 1, slightly wounding Lieu- tenant Steedman, in charge of the gun, and 3 men; blew them about 20 feet, cracked the traverses, threw the shot from the pile of balls in every direction, and slightly damaged the chassis. I arrived at Fort Sumter about 2 oclock at nioht after the engage- ment, and found Mr. E. J. White, of the Engineer Department, busily engaged building in the casemates, first and second tiers,. behind the damaged walls, with sand bags; several of them were completed and considerably streng~iened. This work was continued all night and the next day by the garrison and the 50 negroes who had been employed at the fort and remained during the engagement. On the following morning the fleet lay inside the bar in the same line of battle in which they approached, the first one about 2~ miles from Sumter and 1~ miles from Morris Island. Men were visible all day on the turret of one ham- mering, evidently repairing her plating. Wind-sails were set, indicat- ing that their quarters, even at this season of the year, were uncomfort- able and badly ventilated. About noon one of the turrets went south, probably to Porr Royal for repairs, or for the security of that place against our iron-dads from Savannah. The Ironsides has kept up a full head of steam since the engagement, as can be seen by her constantly blowing off. Three holes are distinctly seen in her stern; two just above the water line. The devil floated ashore on Morris Island; the cables by which it was attached to the turrets bow were cut away. It is probable that the devil, becoming unmanageable, was the cause of the turret retiring early from the action, it being a massive structure, consisting of two layers of white pine timbers 18 inches square, strongly bolted together; a re-entering angle 20 feet deep to receive the bow of the vessel 50 feet long, 27 feet wide~ a la a bow; seven heavy~ yer of beveled timbers on the front forming iron plates, through which passed chains directly down and over the sides through hawser-pipes; to these were attached grappling irons, with double prongs, suspended underneath, at the sides and bow; in the countersinks of the plates were loose iron rollers, apparently to facilitate the drawing of the chains through the holes over them when the grapplings took hold, to drag up to the devil whatever he may catch with his hooks. The colors of the six turrets remaining on the 8th are as follows: First turret, lead color; stack, lead color; top of stack, red with black ring. Second turret and stack, black. Third turret, black; stack, white; top, green. Fourth turret, black; stack, black; top stack, one-third lead color. Fifth turret and stack, lead color. Sixth tuiret and stack, black. The hull of the turret in running trim stands about 2 feet above water level, carrying a whistle, stove-pipe, and stanchions for swinging a small boat on deck, with a light railing around it. When cleared for action she is submerged almost to the water level; the other articles all removed flush with the deck; the issue of steam from the deck sev- eral times observed, if not from injury, is probably from the blow-off pipe, taken down flush, as she cannot carry it, as other vessels, on her sides Page 250 250 COASTS OF S. 0., CA., AMD MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL I accompany the report with a sketch of the battle ground, showing the relative positions of the forts and fleet one of the faces of the fort, showing parts damaged; one of the Keoknk,* one of a turret sub- merged for action,* and one of the devil. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WILLIAM II. ECHOLS, Major, Jilngrneer8. Maj. D. B. HARRIs, Chief Engineer Department. * Not found Page 251 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 251 [Inc1~ur No I I PLIL7V~ of the approach and attack on Fort Srnnter by the Federal Iro;t-~Jlad Fleet, llpril 7, 18G3. & aZe ZJrr~wn~ ~ ccvampn~ne~er1Port~. Wm~fl~o1wZ Page 252 ELET29ITIO& VS of faces of Fort Sinmtcr, showii~ the effect of the fire froim the Federal Iron-Glad Fleet, ~/prii 7, 1868. Drawn to accompany Engineer Report. S ~ dO 1211. r1. 4211. 4211. loin. A~rIkeaej Face. 4211. 4211. 0 0 loin. 7UZ.Broo& ~ ~ 4 Page 253 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGFMFNT IN CIIAULESTON HARBOR, S. 0. 253 [Inclosuro No. 3.] S ~I Page 254 254 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. [Inclosure No. 4.1 SKETUH of the Devt1~ or Torpedo Searcher, carried by a JJIio~itor in~ Oharlestom Harbor, April 7, 18G3. WM. K ECEOLS, Maj. of E piueers. NJ II ____________________________________________________________ I I Side T~w. .4Yca(e Page 255 255 CuAr. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON hARBOR, S. C. [Inclosure No. 5.] Table of effects of projectiles on walls of Fort Sumter. [The numbers correspond with those on drawing of elevations, showing tlie locations of points of impact.] Crater. No. Projectile. Penetration. Remaj~ks. Height. Width. 1 2 Fragment of shell. - - 3 Feet. 2 4 15-inch 5 11-inch 1 15-inch Fragment of shell... 3 shots 10 15-inch Fragment of shell... 15.incli Fragment of shell... 15.inch 22 15-inch 11-inch 15-inch 11-inch. 15.inch 11-inch Fragment of shell... 15-inch 37 38 Fragment of shell... 39 40 41 42 43 . 44 4.5 Fragment of shell... 1 2 2 Inches. 2 6 3 33 6 FeeL Inches. 4 3 1 10 6 Feet. 4 4 2 8 4 Inches. 1 6 3 3 1 2 1 3 1 1 5 5 2 5 6 2 15 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 5 3 4 4 2 3 4 i 4 2 1. 2 4 5 1 1 1 1 2 1 6 5 6 3 10 4 2 10 2 2 3 3 2 2 4 2 3 1 2 6 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 5 6 6 2 2 4 3 2 4 4 3 1 2 6 6 Scaled. Scaled. Embrasure A; exterior con- crete keystone and interior embrasure arch knocked out; masonry cracked. Assisted No. 3; spent. Penetrated concrete and new masonry facing. Ricochet and spent. Scaled. Apparently rifle shot; no seri- ous injury. One 15-inch; other two not known; parapetwall cracked 25 feet in en h serious damage, perhaps by explod- iug shell. Interior arch of embrasure B dislocated; masonry between piers and embrasure badly shaken and projecting. Scaled. Shook masonry. Scaled. Interior embrasure C; arch broken; masonry cracked. Perhaps exploding shell. Scaled; spent ball. Masonry shaken. Exploding shell on pier; not much internal injury. No serious injury. Masonry around embrasure D badly cracked and projecting inside. Penetrated, striking head of arch and thrown upward, tearing away a quantit~y of masonry, not seriously tam- aging body of masonry; ex- plod ed incasemate. Same effect as 22; destroyed embrasure E. Not seriously damaging body of masonry. Same effect as 22; destroyed embrasure F; exploded in parade. Scaled; ricochet and spent. No serious damage. No serious damage. Seriousdamage; wailnotmuch cracked. Scaled. Knocked off] foot of angle. Knocked off 6 inches of angle. Oblique fire; sealed. Scaled. Shook masonry. Broke and projected in sole of embrasure 0-. Very oblique fire; no damage. Very oblique fire; no damage. Very oblique fire; no damage. Very oblique fire; no damage. Exploding shell. Oblique; scaled. No serious injury. Scaled. 6 7 8 9 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 3 Page 256 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. Table of effects of projectiles on Walls of Fort SumterContinued. Crater. No. Projectile. Penetration. - Remarks. Height. Width. - Feet. Inches. Feet. Inches. Feet. Inches. 46 47 11-inch Scaled; very oblique. 48 2 4 5 S Exploding sYiell; cracked para pet wall. 49 - Knocked out iron embrasure slab 1 foot wide, 6 inches thick, 3 feet long; indented it l~ inches and broke it in three pieces; shook masonry. 50 1 5 3 3 6 No serious injury. 51 11-inch 2 6 5 7 Brick traverse; eastpcn ceup4. 52 15-inch Entered western quarters and exploded, damaging walls. 53 11-inch .... - Entered western quarters and remained in c1uarters. 54 Demolished 10-inch columbiad carriage and chassis in south- west angle. Struck end stone masonry berme southeast angle; four small holes knocked in brick arch roof of eastern quarters by grazing shots or frag- ments from traverse. . WILLIAM II. ECHOLS, Major, Engineer8. [Inclosure No. 8.] Table showing the numb , kind, and position of guns in action, and number and kind of projectiles used against the iron-clad fleet before Charleston, April 7, 1863. Location. No. Kind of gun. Projectile. Shots. Fort Sumter; 810 shots; east and northeast faces; bar- bette. First tier caseinate Second tier casemate Fort Moultrie, 868 shots - ... { Battery Bee, 281 shots Battery Beauregard, 157 shots. Cummings Point, 65 shots - - Battery Wagner, 26 shots.~. 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 7-inch Brooke rifles 10-inch columbiads 8-inch columbiads 42-pounder rifles 9-inch Dahigrens 10-inch sea-coast mortars. - 8-inch shell guns (navy) - - 8-inch guns (navy) 12-pounders 42-pounder rifle 8-inch columbiads 12-pounder rifles 12-pounders. - 10-inch sea-coast mortars - - 10-inch columbiads 8-inch columbiad - 8-inch columbiads 12-pounder rifle 10-inch columbiad 9-inch Dahlgren 32-pounder rifle 24-pounder rifle 32-pounders Wrought-iron bolts Solid shot. Solid shot Shot and bolts Shot - ... Shells filled with melted iron - - Shot - - - - Shot Shot Shot Shot and 5 incendiary shells... 192 bolts; 38 shells Shot Shells Shot Shot Shot 41 bolts (75 pound); 45 shots. - 7 shells Shot Shells Shells Shells Shot 256 86 120 160 138 54 40 60 50 100 2 344 230 * 243 51 225 58 64 93 37 28 9 1 16 Number of guns, 69; total number of shots fired, 2,209. WILLIAM II. ECHOLS, Major, fin jiineers Page 257 257 CHAr. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. No. 4. Reports of Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First ]Jlilitary District. FORT SUMTER, April 7, 1863. Have visited Fort Sumter. One 10-inch gun carriage and chassis dis- abled; one 8iuch burst; 4wo rifled dismounted and now replaced; walls badly shaken in two or three places; 4 men badly wounded. Th~ engineers should look out and have material and laborers for re- pairs as soon as possible. Colonel iRhett, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, and Major l3landing are doing all that can be done to repair. Do send us something for sand bags to fortify shakeu placesif the people send their petticoats and pillow-casesat once. One steamer should be sent down with what can be furnished to carry ammunition to Morris Island. Some of the enemy have been badly hurt. The Keokuk is probably for sale. Whether the attack will be renewed or not I cannot judge; the probability is that it will, and the men will shoot better tomorrow than to-day. The big torpedo did not explode; I do not know why. Shall go to Morris Island in an hour or so and find out. I dont think we had better say it is over, but will let you know in the morning. iR. S. IRLPLEY. Brigadier-General JORDAN. HEADQUARTERS FIRST MiLITARY DISTRICT, I)EPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, April 13, 1863. GENERAL: Upon the 1st instant the increase of the enemys force in the Stono and information from North Edisto gave warning that the long threatened combined niovement upon Charleston was about to take place. Brig. Gen. S. II. Gist, commanding first sub-division of this district, James lsland, and Saint Andrews, took l)rompt measures for the observation and repulse of any attack in that direction. Col. IR. F. Graham, commanding third sub-division, occupied the shore of Morris Island, on Light-House Inlet, to control time passage from Folly Island, and a strict watch has been kept up to the present time on the land movements of the enemy. On the 5th the iron-clad fleet of the Abolitionists, consisting of seven monitors and one double-turreted vessel, hove in sight from Fort Sum ~ ter and came to anchor outside, in the vicinity of the Ironsides frigate, then a part of the blockading squadron. The 6th was apparently spent by the enemy in preparation and by our artillerists in verifying the condition of their material. On the morning of the 7th the enemy was inside the bar with all his ironclads, including the frigate, but from his proximity to the shoals and the haze of the atmosphere his position could not be determined. The various works of preparation were progressed with both on the exterior and interior lines of defense until about 2 oclock p. in., when the enemy steamed directly up the channel, the Weehawken, with a false prow for removing torpedoes attached, leading, followed by three monitors, the Ironsides (flag-ship), three other monitors; the Keokuk, double-turret, bringing tip the rear. 17 I~ HVOL XI Page 258 258 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXV1. At each fort and battery officers and men made preparation for im- mediate action, while the enemy came slowly and steadily on. At 3 oclock Fort Moultrie opened fire. At five minutes past 3 the leading vessel, having arrived at 1,400 yards of Fort Snmter, opened upon it with two guns. The eastern battery of Fort Sumter replied. Bat- teries Bee, Beauregard, Wagner, and Cummings Point opened about this time and the action became general, the four leading monitors clos- ing up on the Weehawken, and taking position at an average distance from the forts and batteries of about 1,500 yards. In accordance with instructions, the fire from the different points was concentrated upon the leading vessels, and the effect was soon apparent from the withdrawal of the leading monitor from action, her false prow having been detached and she otherwise apparently injured. The re- maining monitors in advance of the flag-ship held their position, direct. ing their fire principally at Fort Sumter, but giving occasional shots at Fort Moultrie (of which the flag-staff was shot away), Batteries Beaure- gard and Bee. The Ironsides meantime opened fire, and drew the attentio.n of Forts Moultrie and Sumter and the Cummings Point Battery. A few heavy and concentrated discharges caused her to withdraw out of range, where she was soon followed by two other monitors. At five minutes past 4 the Keokuk left here consorts and came to the front, approaching to within 900 yards of Fort Sumter, 1,200 from flattery Bee, and 1,000 of Fort Moultrie. Her advance was character- ized by more boldness than had hitherto been shown by any of the enemys fleet, but receiving full attention from the powerful batteries Ol)posed to her the effect was soon apparent. The 10-inch shot and 7-inch rifle bolts crashed through her armor; her hull and turrets were riddled and stove in, her boats were shot away, and in less than forty minutes she retired ~vith such speed as her disabled condition would permit. The remaining monitors kept their positions for a time, but soon one by one dropped down the channel and came to anchor out of range, after an action of two hours and twenty-five minutes, at ranges varying from 900 to 1,500 yards. - The full effect Qf our batteries upon the enemy could not be precisely ascertained, and as our strength had not been entirely put forth it was believed that the action would soou be renewed. The monitor which had led into the action, however, proceeded south inside of the bar on the same evening. Before the commencement of the affair I was proceeding in a boat to Battery Bee, and watched the progress of the cannonade from that point. The guns were worked with as much precision as the range* would admit. There were no damages or casualties. Visiting Fort Moultrie, the damaged flag-staff was being replaced and everything prepared for the renewal of the fire shuuld the enemy approach again. One man had been mortally wounded by the falling of the staff. Cross- ing the channel to Fort Sumter, the effect of impact of the heavy shot sent by the enemy against the fort which they are so anxious to repos- sess, greater in caliber and supposed distinctive force than any hitherto used in war, was found to have been much less than had been antici- pated. Five men had been injured by splinters from the traverse, one 8-inch columbiad had exploded, one 10-inch carriage had its rear tran- som shot away, and one mified 42-pounder had been temporarily disabled from the effect of recoil ~n defective carriages. The garrison was immediately set to work to repafr damages, an Page 259 CHAP XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 259 the strength of the enemys projectiles having been ascertained, to guard such points as might be exposed to their effect should the attack be re- newed. Cummings Point Battery and Battery Wagner were uninjured, ex- cept from the accidental explosion of an ammunition chest in Battery Wagner. During the night of the 7th stores were replenished, threatened points upon land re-enforced, working parties from the Forty-sixth Georgia Regi- ment brought to Fort Sumter, and the renewal of the struggle in the morning a~vaited with confidence. When day dawned on the morning of the 8th the enemys fleet was discovered in the same position as noticed on the previous evening. About 9 oclock the Keokuk, which had been evidently the most damaged in the action, went down about 3~ miles from Fort Sumter and three- fourths of a mile from Morris Island. The remainder of the fleet were repairing damages. Preparations for repulsing a renewed attack were progressed with in accordance with the instructions of the commanding general, who visited Fort Suniter on that day. A detachment of sea- men nuder Flag-Officer W. F. Lynch arrived from Wilmington, and on the 9th temporarily relieved the artillerists in charge of the Cummings Point Battery. The operations of the enemys fleet consisted only in supply and repair. Toward evening of the 9th a raft, apparently for removing torpedoes or obstructions, was towed inside of the bar. Nothing occurred of im- portance during the 10th. During the night of the 10th Lieutenant-Colonel Dargan, of Colonel Grahams command, crossed Light-House Inlet, drove back the enemys pickets with loss, and returned with 1 prisoner. On the 11th there were indications that the attacking fleet was about to withdraw; and on the 12th, at high water, the Jronsides crossed the bar an.d took up hei position with the blockading fleet, and the monitors steamed and were towed to the southward, leaving only the sunken Keo- kuk as a monument of their attack and discomfiture. In this the first trial of the Abolition iron fleet against brick fortifica- tions and their first attempt to enter theharbor of Charleston, in which they were beaten before their adversaries thought the action had well commenced, they were opposed by seventy-six pieces in all, including mortars. Thirty-seven of these, exclusive of mortars, were above the caliber of 32-pounders. The expenditure of shot against the fleet was 2,229 projectiles, of which over 1,600 were over the caliber of 32-pounders. The guns which the enemy brought to bear were, if their own account is to be believed, 30 in number, including 8inch rifled and 11 and 15 4 inch guns, which would make their weight of metal at one discharge nearly, if not quite, equal to that thrown by the batteries. During the action Brigadier General Trapier, commanding second sub-division of this district, was present at Fort Moultrie; Brigadier- General Gist, commanding first sub-division, at Fort Johnson ;- Col. IR. F. Graham, commanding third sub-division, on Morris Island, and Col. L. M. Keitt, corn manding Sullivans Island, at Battery Bee, attending to these duties and awaiting th~ deyelopment of the attack. The ac- tion, however, was purely of artillery; forts and batteries against the iron-clad vessels of the enemy; other means of defense, obstructions and torpedoes, not having come into play. Fort Sumter was the principa~l object of the enemys attack, and to that garrison, under its gallant commander, Col. Alfred IRhett, ably seconded by Licut. Col. J. A. Yates and Maj. Ormsby Blanding, and all the off Page 260 260 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVL cers and men, special credit is due for sustaining the shock and with their powerful armament contributing principally to the repulse. The garrison of Fort Moultrie, under Col. William Butler, seconded by Major Baker and the other officers and soldiers, upheld the historic rep- utation of that fort and contributed their full ~hare to the result. The powerful batteries of Battery Bee were commanded by Lient. Col. J. C. Simkins, and were served with great effect. Battery , under Maj. C. K. Huger; Cummings Point Battery, under Lieutenant Lesesne, and Battery Beauregard, under Captain Sit- greaves, all did their part according to their armament. indeed, from the reports of the commanders, it is hard to make any distinction where all did their duty with devotion and zeal. Those cases which have been ascertained will be found in the reports of the subordinate commanders. The steady preparation for receiving a re newed attack by the officers and the good conduct and discipline of the troops, especially in the garrison of Fort Sumter, where the labor was necessarily great, have been quite as creditable as their conduct under fire. While service in immediate action is that which is most conspicuous, after such a result as has been accomplished, the greatest credit is due to that long, patient, and laborious preparation by which our works and material, never originally intended to withstand such an attack as has been encountered, have been so resecured as to enable our gallant and well-instructed officers and men to obtain their end with coinpara. tively small loss. In that preparation the late Lient. Col. Thomas M. Wagner contributed much on both sides of the channel, and Colonel Rhett, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, Major Blanding, and other officers of Fort Sumter have been more or less engaged since the fort fell into our hands two years since. Colonel Butler, Lieutenant-Colonel Simkins, and other officers of the First South Carolina Infantry have been for more than a year engaged at the works on Sullivans Island. - Besides these, various officers of engineers and other branches of the department staff, known to thq commanding general, have been at dif- ferent times principal contributors in the work, and, although in the limits of this report it is impossible to mention all to whom credit is due,it is well that works like these, without which in such emergencies as the pres- ent personal gallantry avails naught, shouLd be appreciated. During the seven days while the presence of the fleet threatened ac- tion Ca pt. William F. Nance, principal assistant adjutant-general on the (listrict staff; performed his difficult duties in the administration of a command of 20,000 men in a prompt, judicious, and efficient manner. He was assisted by Lieuts. H. H. Rogers and W. H. Wagner, aides-de- camp. Capt. F. B. DuBarry, district ordnance officer, was especially active and energetic in the supply of ammunition and material for the batteries. lie was assisted by Lieut. C. C. Pinckney. Capt. B. H. Read, as~istant adjutant-general; Col. Edward Manigault, and Lient. Col. St. Clair Dearing, volunteers upon the staff, were present during the action at Fort Sumter. Capt. E. M. Seabrook ,volunteer aide-dc-camp, and Lieutenant Schnierle, enrolling officer and acting aide-de.camp, were generally with me during the aehve period, and all were energetic and prompt in the discharge of the duties required of them. Capt. John S. Ryan acted on my immediate staff. .To Mmnj. Motte A. Pringle and Norman W. Smith, post and distric Page 261 CITAr. XX~L] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 261 quartermasters, and Captain MeClenahan, acting commissary of sub- sistence, many thanks should be rendered. The duties of ~the quarter- masters department were excessively laborious on account of the limited means of transportation, and it is a matter of congratulation that with such means they were so well performed. Thereports of engineer officers will inforW the commanding general of the condition of the various works, .as well as of the acts of officers in that branch of the service. I have the honor to transmit herewith a sketch of the position of the enemys fleet at 4.15 p. m. on the 7th; a return of the guns engaged; a return of ammunition expended; a numerical return of casualties, and the reports of different commanders. To the last I beg respectfully to refer for such information as is not included in this report. * I have also to transmit herewith two Abolition ensigns obtained from the Keokuk, a~ she lies off Morris Island Beach, by Lieutenant Glassell, C. S. Navy, one of which is evidently the ensign under which she fought and was worsted. None of the iron-dads flew large flags, the object having doubtless been to avoid presenting a mark to our artillery. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, y6ur obedient servant, It. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of & aff. * See pp. 10151017 Page 262 - 0 0 CI) H Cr 0 CI) 0 0 Bar - .7flockadin~~Squadron .~ ontaidcllan ci .... . ~-.x- .- Bar H V 9 t ~Bar ~JF. hi oTeu7t. N JJ.Jrongjdes. 0, I Asr Page 263 500 ~ 1 0 ~ ~ 4 0 0 a, a Killed. Mortally. I Dangerously. ~ I 0 I 0 , Severely. ~ Slightly. Total kifled. Total wounded. 0 ~ o 0 a p 1 0 N 0 0 0 N on C ~ N ~V cn ~ c~ N 4 C N C N 0 C C 0 n n n n. H 0 o us- - n~. ~. 0- - - 0- C, - 0 z 0 0~ a, 0 10-inch columbiad. 0 ~: ~ ~ 8-inch columbiad. 0 ~ 9-inchflahlgren. ~. ~ 32-pounder. ~,, ,~ 10-inch mortar. o o 0 8-inch columbiad, in- ~- cendiary. ~ 7-inch Brooke. ~ 42-pouuder - 4 - so - uu - - er. ~ l2pound C, ~: 32-pounder shell. ~: ~: 12-pounder rifle bolts. ~ Friction tubes. on -~ Pounds of cannon powder used. - 0 C INC 0 C 0 0 N 0 0 0 0 4. 0 4 C,. ~IN C C C,. N CC, ~ N ~ 0.4 -4 C,. c4C~ - N 4 C ,0 N C N 0 C 0 a,~ossC0 C, C, C, C, C5 II 4444 H o 0 4 CCC 4 ~s # ~o~: ~. a94- - - .INI - C,, - 0~ - - 0- - 0 1 0 I 0 p ,.~: ~,: 10-inch columbiads. 9-inch Dahlgrens. .. 7-inch Brooke. 8-inch columbiads. COC 42-pounders, rifled. -4 - 32-pounders, rifled. 0 32-pounders, smooth. lOinch mortars. Grand totaL C, 4 CC ~ 0 0 ~~Co ~ z 0~ ~ ~.CC ~ ~ z ~. .Q 0 ~ ~i2 N 0~ (.~ C N 4 0 Page 264 264 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. LOHAl. XXVI. No. 5. Reports of ~Jal. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fort Sumter. FORT SUMTER, April 7, 1863. The nearest iron-clad to Sumter, the Keokuk, came within 900 yards; the others from that to 1,000 yards. ALFRED IIIIETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT SOUTH CAROLINA ARTILI~ERY, Fort Sumter, April 13, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: The Abolition iron-clad fleet, consisting of the frigate New Ironsides and eight monitors, appeared in sight on Sunday morning, April 5 instant; crossed the bar the same evening, and anchored in the main Ship Channel. At 2 oclock p. in., April 7 instant, the whole ironclad fleet advanced to the attack in the following order, viz: F our monitors were in ad- vance, led by the Passaic. The Ironsides came next, followed by three other single-turreted mOnitors, and the Keokuk, a double-turreted moni- tor bringing up the rear. At thirty minutes past 2 p. m. the long roll was beaten and every disposition made for action. At fifty-five minutes past 2 p. m. the garrison, regimental, and Pal- metto flags were hoisted and saluted by thirteen guns, the band play- ing the national air. At 3 oclock p. in. the action was opened by a shot from Fort iVioultrie. At three minutes past 3 p. in. the leading vessel having al)proached to within about 1,400 yards of the fort she fired two shots simultaneously, one a 15-inch shrapnel, which burst; both passed over the fort. The batteries were opened upon her two minutes later, the firing being by battery. The action now became general, and the four leading monitors taking position from 1,300 to 1,400 yards distant, the fire was changed from fire by battery to fire by piece, as being more accurate. The fire by battery was again resumed as occasion offered. The Ironsides did not approach nearer than 1,700 yards. The whole fire of the batteries engaged was concentrated on the Passaic for thirty minutes, when she withdrew from the engagement, apparently injured. The other ships each in its turn received our attention. The fire of both Fort iVilonitrie and this fort being now directed against the ironsides she immediately withdrew out of effective range. The other turreted monitors caine under our fire in like manner as the preceding, slowly passing in front of the fort in an ellipse; one only, the last, approaching to about 1,000 yards. At five minutes past 4 p. m. the Keokuk left her consorts and ad- vanced bow on gallantly to within 900 yards of our batteries. She received our undivided attention, and the effect of our fire was soon apparent The wrought-iron bolts from 7-inch Brooke gun were plainl Page 265 tHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON~ HARI3OR, s. cx 2~5 seen to penetrate her turret and hull, and she retired in forty minutes, riddled and apparently almost disabled. At twenty-five minUtes past 5 p. m. the whole fleet withdrew. The iron-dads had been under our fire for two hours and twenty-five minutes. The Keokuk has sunk; one monitor wastowed south on the morning of the 8th April, instant; several were apparently injured, and the fact has been demonstrated that iron-dads of the monitor class are not in- vulnerable. The enemys fire was mostly ricochet and not very accurate; most of their shot passed over the fort and sever-al to the right and left. The greater portion of their shots were from 1,300 to 1,400 yards distant, which appeared to be the extent of their effective range. Some shots were from a greater distance, and did not reach the fort at all. For the effect of the fire of the enemy upon the fort I would respect- fully refer to report of engineer. One 8-inch columbiad, old pattern chambered gun, exploded. This gun was being fired at about 10 elevation, and it is my opinion that its bursting was caused by the ~hot rolling forward when the gun was run into battery. In firing at low degrees of elevation and at depression sabot shot should be used. One 42-pounder rifled gun was dismounted by re- coil ~nd temporarily disabled. One 10-inch columbiad was disabled by having the rear transom of its carriage shot away. Both gnus were again ready for action in a few hours. The garrison flag received a shot through the union. The regimental flag was much torn by fragments of shell. The garrison, consisting of seven companies First South Carolina Artillery, were disposed as follows, viz: 1. Capt. ID. G. Fleming, with Company B, 78 men, in command of east parapet battery, assisted by Lients. F. D. Blake and Iredell Jones. Lient. J. M. IRhett, Company A, although on sick report, was assigned temporarily to Company B. 2. Capt. F. II. Harleston, with Company D, 74 men, in command ~f northeast parapet battery, assisted by Lients. McMillan King and W. S. Simkins. 3. Capt. J. G King, with Company F, in command of northwest par- apet battery, assisted by Lieuts. A. S. Gaillard, John Middleton, and W. II. Johnson. 4. Capt. J. C. Mitchel, with Company I, 78 men, in command of west parapet battery, assisted by Lient. J. S. Bee. 5. Capt. J. R Macbeth, with Company E, 77 men, in command of mor- tar battery and east casemate battery, assisted by Lient. J. J. Alston. 6. Capt. W. II. Peronnean, with Company G, 77 men, in command of northeast casemate battery, assisted by Lient. E. S. Fickling. 7. Capt. C. W. Parker, with detachment Company C, 55 men, and de- tachment Company E, in command of northwest casemate battery, assisted by Lients. G. E. llaynsworth- and K Kemper. 8. Lient W. II. Grimball, with regimental band, 15 men, in command of second tier casemate battery. 9. Lieutenant Clarkson, with detachment of 25 men of Company B, Charleston Battalion, posted in second tier of casement as sharpshoot- ers. Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, having reported for duty on the morn- ing of the 7th April, was assigned to the immediate command of the parapet batteries. The casement batteries were under the immediate command of Maj. Ormsby Blanding. The following is the number of guns brought into action: Two 7-inch Brooke guns, four 10-inch columbiads, two 9-inch Dahlgrens, four 8-inc Page 266 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. 266 coluinbiads, four 8-inch navy guns, seven banded and rifled 42-pounders, one banded and rifled 32-pounder, thirteen smooth-bore 32-pounders, and seven 10-inch sea-coast mortars. The following were the officers of the staff: Lieut. S. C. Boyleston, adjutant; Capt. T. M. Barker, assistant quartermaster; Capt. S. P. iRavenel, acting chief of staff; Rev. N. Aldrich, chaplain; Sergt. Maj. C. P. Grundshig, and Quartermaster Sergt. William Kicoll. Lieut. Charles Inglesby was officer of the day; Lieut. J. G. ileyward was offi- cer of the guard; Lient. E. P. Ravenel was acting ordnance officer, assisted by Lient. James B. ileyward, lieutenant of ordnance. The medical department was under charge of Surg. M. S. Moore, assisted by Asst. Surg. Samnel Muller. Mr. Edward White was pres- ent as acting engineer officer. The members of the Signal Corps were T. P. Lowndes, Arthur Grim- ball, and Joseph Seabrook. Several officers of General Ripley~s staff were present during the en- gagement, and in the absence of General Ripley tendered their services to me. Capt. Benjamin Read, assistant adjutantgeneral, Col. Edward Manigault, -and Col. St. Clair iDeariug; were present, having tendered their services also. Mr. LaCoste also was present and rendered efficient service. -. With regard to the conduct of the garrison it is impossible for me to draw any distinction. Officers and men were alike animated with the same spirit, and I cannot speak in too high terms of their coolness and gallantry throughout the action. All acted as though they were en- gaged in practice, and the minutest particulars of drill and military etiquette were preserved. For expenditure of ammunition I would re- spectfully refer to inclosed report of ordnance officer. For a list of casualties I would also refer to inclosed surgeons report. At 9 oclock a. m. April 8th the Keokuk was seen to sink near Mor- ris Island Beach, where she now lies. Respectfully submitted. ALFRED RHETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. KANCE, Assistant Adjntant-General, First Military District. [Tuclosuro No. 1.] Return of killed and wounded in the Fir8t Regiment South Carolina Artillery in the action of the 7th of April, 1863. Wounded. 0 I~~j fr bO .~ C 0 02 02 H Officers - Won-comminsioned officers 2 2 Musician 1 1 Privates 1 1 2 I I Page 267 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 267 FORT SUMTER, 5. C., April 13, 1863. Lient. S. C. BOYLESTON,. Adjutant First Regiment South Carolina Artillery: SIR: I have the honor to subijiit the above list of casualties in this garrison on 7th of April, 1863. Your obedient servant, M. S. MOORE, Surgeon, Provisional Forces Confederate States. [Inclosure No. 2.] HDQRS. FIRST REGT. SOUTH CAROLINA ARTILLERY, Fort Sumter, April 11 [1], 1863. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose copy of dispatches received from Ironsides during the last few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED RIIETT, Colonel, Commanding. [SubAnolosnres.] APRIL 9, 1863. 1st. Captain G.: He is in bad condition, having been days out in a gale. 2d. Captain G.: A good steamer had better watch Bulls Bay, as it is now the principal approach to Charleston. Send raft. ADMRL D. 3d. If Captain Reynolds tesfres to come in by the tug to the Ironsides to do so. 4th. Captain G.: Send schooner immediately to Port Royal.. D. 5th. Be there an attack this p. m. ? Question from the Powhatan to the Ironsides. Answer. No attack to~day.~~ APRIL 10, 1863. 1st. Report vessel Wunkoin [?] when sailed for Port Royal. 2d. Get hawsers for ordnance schooner. ADML D. 3d. Detain provision schooner. ADML D. 4th. Captain G.: I learn that our mail was forwarded by an army steamer. Send Bibb for it to Stono. ADML D. 5th. Captain G.: Send aid immediately to ordnance , making signals. Send all ordnance schooners to North Edisto. ADML D. 6th. was sent from Port Royal. RODGRS.G. R. S. 7th. any means of finding out by W. S. A. T Page 268 COASTS Ol~ S. ~X, t~A., ANI) MID. AND EA~P PtA. [cHAP. Xxvi. APRIL 11, 1863. 1st. Captain L.: Where is the BibbY Shall want her near. Shall want her this morning near the bar. CAPT. B. 2d. Captain G.: Send the Ha to Port Royal. ADMIRAL DUPONT. FORT SUMTER, April 12, 1863. Captain NANCE: I have the honor to report the Ironsides moving toward the bar in tow of a steam-tug. Copy of dispatch from Ironsides: James Adger and Bibb at bar at 12 oclock, to render assistance a tow.Ad. miral ~ No. 6. Report of Lieut. F. Prioleau Ravenel, Firgt South Carolina Artillery. FORT SUMTER, April 13, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the following expenditure of ammu- nition on the 7th instant, viz: Powder, in pounds 7,620 10-inch columbiad shot 120 8-inch columbiad shot 270 9-inch 54 4 32 pounder 100 7-inch rifle .. - - -.. - 86 42-pounder rifle 140 Toi5al 770 10-inch mortar shell, filled 40 810 I would state that in two of the above items (viz, 8-inch columbiad shot and 32-pounder shot) I have been compelled to approximate, in conse- quence of some of each kind having been covered up in the haste by the traverses. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. PRIOLEAU RAVEKEL, First Lieut., Fir~t S. C. Artillery, and Acting Ordnance Offit~er. Lient. S. C. BOYLESTON, Adjutant First South Carolina Artillery. No. 7. Reports of Brig. Gen. J. Iii. Trapier, C. S. Army, commanding on Sulli vans Island. IIDQRS. SECOND SUE-DIVISION, FIRST MILITARY DIST., Sullivuns Island, April 13, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of th Page 269 CHAr. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 269 action of the 7th instant between the enemys fleet of iron-clad war vessels and the fort and batteries on this. island: At about 2 oclock p. in. on that day it was reported to me that the movements of the fleet which had been for some honrs anchored within the bar were suspicions, and that some of the vessels appeared to be advancing. So stealthily did they, approach, lThwever, that not nntil 2.30 oclock did 1 become convinced that the intentions of the enemy were serions, and that the long-threatened attack was abont to begin. I immediately repaired to Fort Monltrie, where I had previously de- termined to make my headquarters during the action. Slowly, but steadily, the iron dads approached, coming by the Middle or Swash Channel in single file, the Passaic (it is believed) in the van, followed by the rest (eight in number) at equal distances, the flag-ship, New Iron- sides, occnpying the center. At 3 oclock Col. William Butler, com- manding in the fort, reported to me that the leading ship was in range. I ordered him immediately to open his batteries upon her, which was done promptly, and the action began. Fearing that the range was rather long for effective work, the firing after a few rounds was sus- pended for a short time; but finding that the enemy refused closer quarters, there was no alternative but to engage him at long range or not at all. We decided upon the former, and Fort Monltrie again Qpened her batteries. Batteries Bee and Beauregard had also by this time opened fire, and the action had become general. It soon became obvious that the enemys intention was to fight and not to run by, amid orders were given to ~ on vessels nearest in and to fire by bat- tery. Volley after volley was delivered in this way, but although it was plain that our shot repeatedly took effecttheir impact against the iron casing of the enemy being distinctly heard and seenyet we could not discover but that the foe was indeed invulnerable. At about 5.30 oclock p. in., or after the action had lasted about two hours and a half, the enemy slowly, as he had advanced, withdrew from the contest, apparently unharmed, so far at least as his powers of loco- motion went. Subsequent events have happily revealed the face that one at least of our enemys invulnerables has given proof that brick walls and earthern parapets still hold the mastery. The nearest that the enemy ventured at any time to Fort Moultrie was estimated at 1,000 yards; to Battery Bee, 1,600 yards; to Battery Beau- regard, 1,400 yards. Fort Moultrie was garrisoned by a detachment from the l~rst Regiment South Carolina Regular Infantry, Col. William Butler commanding, as- sisted by Maj. T. M. Baker, and consisted of the following companies: Company A, Capt. T. A. iluguenin; Company E, Capt. R. Press. Smith, Company F, Capt. B. S. Burnet; Company G, First Lient. B. A. Erwin commanding; Company K, Capt. C. II. Rivers. Battery Bee was garrisoned by another detachment from the same regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. C. Simkins, and consisted of the followii~g companies: Company C, Capt. Robert De Treville; Company II, Capt. Warren Adams; Company I, Capt. W. T. Tatom. Col. L. M. Keitt, Twentieth Regiment. South Carolina Volunteers, by my consent, took post at Battery Bee and remained there during the actio~i. Battery Beauregard was under the command of Capt. J. A. Sitgreaves, First South Carolina Regular Artillery, and was garrisoned by the fol- lowing companies~ Company K, First South Carolina Regular Artillery, First Lient. W. E. Erwin commanding; Company B, First South Caro- lina Regular infantry, Capt. J. II. Warley commanding. It gives me pleasure to have it in my power to report that not a singl Page 270 270 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. casualty occurred among any of these troops, with the exception only of one in Fort Moultrie. Early in the action our flag-staff was shot away, and in falling struck private J. S. Lusby, Company F, inflicting a severe wound, from which he died in a short time. Neither the fort itself nor its material was in the least injured. It is due to the garrison of Fort Moultrie and their soldierly and accomplished commander, Colonet Butler, that I should not close this report without bearing testimony to the admirable skill, coolness, and deliberation with which they served their guns. They went. all, men as well as officers, to their work cheerfully and with alacrity, showing that their hearts were in it. There was enthusiasm, but no excitement. They lost no time in loading their guns, but never fired hastily or with- out aim. The reports of Colonel Keitt, Lieutenant-Colonel Simkins, and Captain Sitgreaves give me every reason to believe that the garri- sons of Batteries Bee and Beauregard acquitted themselves equally well, and are eqnally entitled to the thanks and gratitude of their com- mander and their country. Colonel Butler makes honorable mention of the following officers: Capt. William II. Wigg, A. C. S., when the flag-staff was shot away, proniptly mounted a traverse and placed the regimental flag in a con- spicuous place upon it. Capt. 0-. A. Wardlaw, assistant quartermaster, and Lieut. and Adjt. Mitchell King and First Lieut. D. G. Calhoun were likewise prompt in placing the battle and garrison flags in cdii- spicuous positions. Lieutenant Williams or orably mentioned. duance officer, is also fax-- To Capts. William Greene and B. G. Piuckney, of my staff and First Lieut. A. H. Lucas, my aide-de-camp, I am indebted for valuable assist- ance; and my thanks are also due to Lient. Col. 0. M. Dantzler and iDr. 0-. W. Westcott, volunteer aides for the occasion. I have the honor to transmit herewith a statement in tabular form showing the expenditure of ammunition by Fort Moultrie and the bat- teries during the action. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. II. TIRAPIER, Brigadier. General, Commanding. Capt. W. F. KANCE, Assistant Adjutant. General. (Thclosur..J Return of ammunition expende4 on Sullivan8 I8land, S. C., during the action of 7th April, 1563. He H H o P o C5 ~ ~ H 10-inch columbiad solid shot 225 225 8-inch columbiad round shot 339 58 64 461 8-inch columbiad shell (incendiary) 5 5 32-pounder round shot 243 243 nonow shot (32-pounder rifle gun) 88 7 45 Conical shot (32-pounder rifle gun) 45 45 Bolts (32-pounder rifle gnu) 192 41 233 10-inch mortar shell 51 51 Friction tubes 1, 200 350 157 1, 707 7,375 Pounds of powder 3,940 1,155 12, 47 Page 271 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 271 IIDQRS. SECOND SuB-DrvIsIoN, FIRST MILITARY DIST., Sullivans Island, April 110, 1863. Respectfully submitted. J. II. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. SECOND SUB-DIVISION, FIRST MIL. DIST. S. C., Sullivans Island, April 15, 1863. Capt. W. F. XANCE, Asst. Adjt. (len., First Mil. Dist. S. C., Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: I respectfully request that the paragraph immediately pre- ceding that which covers my report of the action of the 7th may be altered to read as follows: To Capts. William (Treene and B. C-. Pinckney, of my staff, and First Lieut. A. H. Lucas, my aide-dc-camp, I am indebted for valuable assist- ance; and my thanks are also due to Lient. Col. 0. M. Dantzler and Dr. G. W. Westcott, volunteer aides for the occasion. I beg leave also to invite the attention of the brigadier-general com- manding the district to the heroic conduct of Private Joseph Harri- son, Company C-, First South Carolina Regular Infantry, as related by Colonel Butler in his report. The hasth with which my report was pre- pared under the stringent order from district headquarters must be my excuse for inaccurate phraseology and inadvertent omissions. Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIEIt, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SULLIVANS ISLAND, April 18, 1863. DEAR GENERAL: If my report of the late action is to be published will you be kind enough to correct for me a slight error in it. I say Colonel Keitt as previously arranged between us, made his headquarters at Battery Bee, & c. This is not expressed precisely as it should be. After I had taken post at Fort Moultrie Colonel Keitt reported to me and said that with my consent he would go to Battery Bee. Of course I consented. The alteration which I would like to have made is this. For the sen- tence quoted above substitute the following: Colonel Keitt, by my consent, took post at Battery Bee and remained there during the action. The phraseology more exactly describes what actually took place. My report was prepared very hastily, under a very stringent order from the brigadier-general commanding the district, and is not what it ought to be; but so long as it tells the story truly I am willing to let it stand as it is. With great respect and esteem, I am, very sincerely, yours, J. II. TRAPIER. No. 8. Report of (lol. Lawrence M. Keitt, Twentieth South Carolina h~fantry. HEADQUARTERS SULLIVANS ISLAND, April 13, 1863. CAPTAIN: I had the honor this morning to send to you the reports o Page 272 272 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [ChAP. XXVL the commandants of the various batteries on ~ JSlafl(1 engaged in the action of 7th instant with the enemys iron-clad fleet. The action began at 3 oclock b~ Fort Moultrie, and in a short time thereafter was general throughout all the batteries. Immediately after the opening of the engagement I left Fort Moultrie (where Brigadier- General Trapier had stationed his headquarters and was overlooking the conflict) and repaired to Battery Bee. At this battery I found the garrison alert and ready to direct their fire against the invading fleet. Their guns were promptly trained and fired with rapidity and great precision. I saw very distinctly a large nnmber of 10-inch shot from this battery strike the Keokuk, and also two of the monitor vessels, which alter. nately advanced to the front. They struck turrets, decks, and hull. The injury inflicted could not be accurately estimated, but I believe that it was severe. The officers of the garrison were cool, vigilant, and energetic, and the men were prompt, active, and thoroughly familiar with their duties. Lieutenant-Colonel Siiiikins overlooked the manage- ment of the battery, and I testify to his vigilance, skill, and the ener- getic discharge of his duties. The firing I thought a little too rapid, but I have no doubt that in the end it subserved a good purpose. The storm of shot and bolts which fell around the enemy confused if it did not appall him. The Beauregard Battery directed its fire with great precision against the Ironsides and the two monitors which were nearest to it. The shot from this battery struck those vessels repeatedly. The officers and men behaved with the highest coolness and gallantry. Fort Moultrie was under General Trapier~s own eye, and he can best tell how worthily she vindicated her historical reputation. The com- panies of the Twentieth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers which were upon the island were drawn up to protect the upper batteries and to repel a laud attack if such were attempted. They were eager to join their brethren in arms in the conflict, but the prudent abstinence of the foe from an attempt to land i)revented them. They were under com- mand of Capt. P. A. McMichae1~ Lieutenant-Colonel Dantzler having been invited by General Trapier to act as his special aide on the occa- sion; and had a land attack been made Lieutenant-Colonel Dantzler could easily have reached the portion of his regiment drawn up on the island and have taken command of it, which he intended to do. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, LAWRENCE M. KEITT, Colonel, Commanding Post. Captain GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 9. Report of Gol. William Butler, First South Carolina Infantry, command ing Fort Moultrie. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Moultrie, S. 0., April 13, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following statement of the part taken by this fort in the action with the iron-clad fleet of the Abolitioi~~ ists on the 7th of this month Page 273 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 273 On the 5th the attacking fleet, consisting of eight turreted gunboats and the steam-frigate Ironsides, crossed the bar and took a position about 3~ or 4 miles from this fort. On the 7th it advanced in the direction of the harbor, one of the tur-. ret boats some distance in advance. As soon as the leading boat came within range I reported the fact to the brigadier-general commanding, and received orders from him to commence the action. Thinking that it was the object of the enemy to~ run by Fort Sumter I permitted the firing to be rapid at the commencement, using every precaution, however, to encourage deliberation in aiming. The boats engaged were at all times during the action within range of the guns of this fort. About three-quarters of an hour after the first gun was fired the frigate Ironsides steamed np to within 1,600 yards, and took a position apparently with a view of taking a prominent part in the actiou. All the guns that could be brought to bear were trailed upon her and fired, and she in a few moments afterward moved out of range. The fire was generally directed upon the boat in advance, and I think with some effect shots were seen to strike frequently, many of them breaking to pieces. The guns.engaged were manned by Companies A, E, F, and G, First South Carolina Infantry, commanded respectively by Capts. F. A. Hu. guenin and It. Press. Smith, First Lieut. F. A. Erwin, and Capt. B. S. Burnet; the mortars by Company K, Capt. C. H. Rivers, were fired with creditable accuracy. Officers and men performed their duties with spirit and celerity. During the action the flag-staff was cut down by a shot from the enemy, which in falling struck Private Lusby, Company F, First South Carolina Infantry, causing his death in a few minutes. This was the only casualty of any importance. One gunner, Private Harrison, Coin- pany G, lost a finger by some inadvertence in running a gun into bat- tery, but returned to his post after getting his wound dressed. When the flag was struck down Capt. W. H. Wigg, A. C. S., promptly placed the regimental flag in a conspicuous place upon a traverse. Capt. G. A. Wardlaw, acting quartermaster, and Lient. and Adjt. Mitchell King and First Lieut. D. G. Calhoun were likewise prompt in placing the battle and garrison flags in conspicuous positions. Maj. T. N. Baker, First South Carolina Infantry, was wherever his service would be most useful. The ordnance officer, Second Lieut. Thomas Williams, was at his post at the magazine. Much credit is due to him for the good condition of the gun.carriages and other ordnance stores. I have already submitted a report of the amount of ammunition ex- pended. The guns engaged consisted of nine 8-iiich columbiads, five 32-pounder rifled and banded guns, five smooth-bore 32-pounders, and two 10-inch mortars. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM BUTLER, Colonel First South Carolina Infantry, Commanding. Lient. W. C. HANE, Adjutant Forces Sulljvans Island. 18 R RYOL XI Page 274 274 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. No. 10. Report of Lient. Col. J. C. Simkins, First South Carolina Infantry, com manding Battery Bee. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT OF FIRST INFANTRY, Battery Bee, April 13, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at about 2.30 p. m. on Tuesday, the 7th instant, the officer of the day reported to me that the monitor fleet of the enemy, accompanied by the Ironsides, was approach- ing. I immediately ordered the long roll beat, the guns were manned, and everything got in readiness for action. On reaching the battery nine iron-dads, including the Ironsides, were observed slowly making their way up Ship Channel. At times four of the monitors proper were in line of battle in advance the Tronsides and others in rear. While waiting the nearer approacli of the enemy in- structions were given that the left section of battery, commanded by Capt. Warren Adams, should commence firing on an order from me, to be followed, first, by Capt. William T. Tatom, commanding center sec- tion, and finally by Capt. Robert De Treville, commanding section on extreme right, and that the fire should be concentrated on the leading vessel until otherwise directed. The advance vessels, still numbering four, took their positions, alter- nately ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 yards from this battery. At 3 oclock p. m. Fort Moultrie opened on the enemy, followed by Fort Sumter. Ten minutes later (3.10 p. in.) this battery opened fire. At this time the fire became general from all the outer forts and bat- teries in the harbor and the advanced iron-dads of the enemy, which lired slowly, directing their fire principally at Fort Sumter. An occa- sional shot was fired at this battery, none of them doing any injury. As it was believed that the object of the enemy was to pass the bat- teries and enter the harbor the firing at first was rapid, but at all times deliberate and well directed. When it became evident that such was not his intention, the firing from this battery became slower and con- tinued so until the Keokuk advanced in closer range to Fort Sumter and this battery, at which time the order was given to fire more rapidly and to concentrate it on her. Two hundred and eighty.three solid shots were fired from this bat- tery, Captain Adams firing 126; Captain Tatom. 84, and Captain De Treville, 73. Of this number many were distinctly seen to strike the vessels aimed at, and, it is believed, doing serious damage in many instances. At 5.30 p. m. the enemys fleet withdrew and all firing ceased. The officers and men of this command did their duty. I am happy to state that no casualties occurred at this battery, and believe the command to be as effective as it was prior to the engage- ment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. SIMKINS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WaLix~i GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 275 Oxir. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 8. C. 275 No. 11. Rcport of Capt. J. A. Sitgreaves, First South Carolina Artillery, com manding Battery Beauregard. BEAUREGARD BATTERY, Sullivans Island, April 13, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about 2 oclock p. m. on Tuesday, the 7th instant, it was reported to me that the enemys iron- dads, which have previously taken a position inside the bar, were steaming up main Ship Channel. I ordered the long roll sounded and all the guns of this battery to be manned forthwith, placing those men who were not engaged at the guns in a position so as to be pro. tected from the fire of the enemy. As soon as the leading boat came within range and after Moultrie and Sumter had opened I directed the fire of two rifle guns and an 8-inch columbiad on that boat, and continued to fire on her until I was satisfied that it was not her intention to pass the forts. I fired rapidly at first, because I saw that she would soon reach a point on which my rifled guns could not be brought to bear. About this time the Ironsides came up and exposed her broadside, when I immediately directed the fire of the same guns on her, and paid more attention to her than any other boat during the fight. I occasionally fired a shot at the Keokuk or on one of them that offered a fail: mark to the guns used. About 4.30 I found that my supply of rifled projec- tiles and 8-inch solid shot were getting short. I ordered the firing to cease and sent a messenger to the fort to know if I could be supplied, but received a message from Brig. Gen. J. II. Trapier in the mean time to cease firing altogether. The guns that were engaged were manned alternately by detachments from Company K, First South Carolina Artillery, Lieut. W. E. Erwin commanding, and from Company B, First Thfantry, Capt. J. II. Warley commanding. I am satisfied that the Ironsides was struck several times by shot from this battery, and I think one or two others were also struck, with what effect it is impossible to say except from reports since the engage- ment, which lead us to believe that the enemy were considerably dam- aged. I have reason to be satisfied with the firing and the cool, deliberate, and determined aspect which characterized both men and officers during the engagement. I inclose a tabular statement of the amount and kind8 of ammunition expended. The enemy fired several rounds at us, none of which took effect. There were no casualties from any cause whatever. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. A. SITGREAVES, Captain, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 12. Report of Lieut. Col. A. T. Dargan, Twenty-first South Carolina Infa.& try. MORRIS ISLAND, April 7, 1803. Considerable damage apparently done to the iron-dads. Mark8 o Page 276 276 COASTS OF S. C., OA~ AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [OUAP. XXVL shot are visible on their decks and through smoke-stacks; decks of one considerably torn up. Two men mortally wounded in Battery Wagner, 1 since dead, 2 seriously; 2 slightly wounded by explosion of ammuni- tion chest. A. T. DARGAN, Lieutenant-Colonel. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN. No. 13. Report of C. K. Huger, South Carolina Artillery, commanding Artillery on Morris Island. BATTERY WAGNER, Morris Island, April 8, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that during the engagement yesterday this battery fired twenty-two shots and the one at Cum- mings Point sixty-six; nobody hurt at Cummings Point; but I regret to have to report that from the accidental explosion of an ammunition chest I have had at this battery eight casualties, viz: Killed, Sergt. G. W. Langley, Privates Amos Fitzgerald and Jerry Dyer; wounded, Sec- ond Lieut. G. E. Steedman, not dangerously; Corpl. Mathew Martin slightly; Private Samuel Red seriously, Marion Quillan slightly, and Thomas Prince slightly. Total, 3 killed and 5 wouuded=8; all of the Mathewes Artillery, Capt. J. Raven Mathewes. There was no opportunity for any display of gallantry, but all did their duty with cheerfulness and promptness. The guns of this bat- tery were of too light a caliber to be of much service, but those at Cum- mings Point, under the immediate comman(l of Lieutenant Lesesne, of First Artillery, were much heavier, and the firing was particularly good. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. K. HUGER, Major, Commanding Artillery, Morris 18 land. Col. R. F. GRAHAM, Commanding, Morris island. No. 14. Report of Col. A. D. Frederick, Second South Carolina Artillery, com manding Fort Johnson, James Island. HEADQUARTERS AT EAST LINES, April 12, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that one of my companies Company I, Captain llumbert~stationed at Fort Johnson, had a small share in the glorious little fight of the 7th instant with the turreted iron-dads in Charleston Harbor. About 2.30 oclock of that afternoon eight iron-dads were seen ap- proaching for the purpose of engaging Fort Sumter, and when within easy range they opened fire upon her. My guns of heavy caliber at that post, being so placed as to bear only upon the inner harbor, could not be brought to bear upon the iron-dads; but in our anxiety to have a place in the picture,~~ and in order somewhat to test the range of a 10-inch mortar in that direction, I authorized Lieutenant Boliver, in charge, to open fire from it, which, after being fired twice with shell Page 277 CHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 5. C. 277 filled and plugged, and the object sought attained, was ordered to be (liscontinued. The officers and men were all eagerly anxious to play a part in the engagement, and we only regret that our position was such as to pre- vent our having a more prominent place in an engagement which does so much credit to all concerned. I am, colonel, very respectfully, A. D. FREDERICK, Colonel Second Regiment Artillery, South Garolina, Oomdg. Col. C. II. STEVENS, Gomdg. Eastern Div., James Island. [Thdorsement.] IIDQRS. JAMES ISLAND AND SAINT ANDREWS, MeLeods, April 14, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. I reached Fort Johnson some twenty minutes after the engagement be- tween the monitors and the forts and batteries had commenced on the 7th instant, and finding that the mortar located at Fort Johnson was not effective, the range being too great, ordered the firing discontinued after two shells had been thrown. Battery Glover was not engaged at any time. Respectfully, S. R. GIST, Brigadier-General. No. 15. Report of Lieut. W. I. Glassell, 0. 5. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Chicora. C. S. GUNBOAT CHICORA, Charleston flarbor, April 13, 1863. GENERAL: Having made a visit to the Keokuk this morning with a view to observing the effect of your batteries upon her iron turrets I succeeded in procuring the trophies, which it affords me much pleasure to forward to you, viz, two United States flags, two pennants, and three signal flags. Several other articles were also obtaineda rammer, springs, lanterns, & c.which are on board the Chicora. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. GLASSELL, C. S. Navy. Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY. No. 16. Thanks of the South Carolina Legislature. RESOLUTIONS OF THANKS TO THE TROOPS FOR THE DEFENSE OP CHARLESTON HARBOR. Resolved unanimously, That the gallant defense made by our officers and men in Charleston Harbor against the first onset of the foe entitle them to the thanks of the whole country, and under the blessings of a kind Providence is hailed as the harbinger of a stilt more glorious vic- tory Page 278 278 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXYL Resolved That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the general com- manding tiiis department. IN THE SENATE, April 9, 1863. Resolved, That the Senate do agree to the resolutions. Ordered, That they be 8ent to the House of Representatives for con- currence. By order: WM. E. MARTIN, Clerk of the Senate. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Api. 10, 1863. Resolved, That the House do concur in the resolutions. Ordered, That they be returned to the Senate. By order: JOHN T. SLOAN, Clerk of the House of Representatives. No. 17. Report of Capt. Henry S. Taft, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer Department of the South. OFFICE OF CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 14, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of signal operations in connection with the recent attack upon the works of the enemy near Charleston. Officers were assigned to the different com- mands and naval vessels in the order stated below. Capt. II. S. Taift on flag-ship Ben De Ford; Licut. H. Clay Snyder with Major-General Hunter; Lient. G. S. Dana with General Seymour; Lient. C. F. Cross with General Terry; Lient. T. L. Hatfield with Colonel Metcalf; Lient. E. H. Hickok with Colonel Guss; Lient. Will- iam Reynolds with Colonel Putnam; Lient. T. C. Vidal with chief quar- termaster; Lient. F. E. Town, Admiral DuPont, on Ironsides; Lient. George Stroop on sloop of war Canandaigna; Lieutenants Keith and Moffat with General Heckman; Lieutenants Schouler and Richardson with General Stevenson; Lieutenant Pierce with Colonel Davis; Lieu- tenants Fletcher and Gibbs with General Ferry; Lieutenant Holbrook with Colonel Howell; Lieutenant Davis with Colonel J. J. De Forest; Lieutenant Cooley on gunboat Sebago. Admiral DuPont sailed from Hilton Head on the morning of the 2d instant for Charleston Bar. Major-General Hunter and staff sailed the following morning, reached Edisto, and anchored inside the bar, re- maining until the 5th. Arrived off Stono Bar same evening and com- municated with army fleet inside. Morning of the 0th moved up to Charleston Bar, where were lying at anchor the naval blockading fleet and the iron-dads. Communication was immediately opened between the headquarters of General Hunter, the flag-ship, and the sloop of war Canandaigua. During the preceding night the column of our forces under command of Colonel Howell arrived at the head of Folly Island. The signal officer with them opened communication at once with the flag-ship, thus giving the first information to the commanding general by signals of our pos- session of the island Page 279 cHAP. XXVI.] ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 279 At 3 p. in. 7th instant the attack upon Fort Sumter by the iron-dads was made, our fleet remaining in action about two and a half hours under the most terrific fire. Immediately after the conclusion of the attack the admiral reported by signals to General Hunter the result of the engagement as follows: To General HUNTER: Delayed in getting under way by accident, orders not reaching the leading ship. We attempted to pass into the inner channel, but were olAiged to anchor to prevent going ashore. Engaged the forts, but found it too late to continue. Casualties few. One iron-clad disabled; twopartially so. Ironsides very slightly; struck very often. Please inform senior naval officers. DuPONT. The succeeding day General Hunter was informed by signals that the attack would be renewed as soon as the disabled iron-dads were in order. We awaited such movements until the afternoon, when I received from Lieutenant Town a confidential dispatch to the effect that no further engagement would take place for the present. This information I gave unofficially to General Hunter, being, I suppose, the first notice he had received of such determination on the part of the admiral. In the after- noon General Hunter left the Ben Be Ford, and in a small boat went to Stono. Morning of the 9th the Ben Be Ford also sailed for Stono with dis- patches for the general. From this date to the 11th we remained out- side Stono Bar, communication by signals being constantly kept up with the troopsbupon Folly Island and with the troops outside the Stono. On the 11th the general again came on board the Ben Be Ford and sailed for Port Royal, followed by all the laud forces with the exception of- one brigade left in possession of Folly Island and one brigade at Edisto. Signal officers remained with these forces. A link is estab- lished from one end of Folly Island to the other at Edisto between the gunboats and land forces. Officers and men without exception performed their duty during this expedition to my entire satisfaction. Lieutenant Town, upon the Ironsides, was at all times diligent, and rendered much valuable service to the naval forces. The accompanying copy of a letter from the admiral sufficiently vouches for his efficiency. Lieutenant Stroop, upon the Canandaigna, was also energetic and faithful in the performance of his duties. Copy of letter from Admiral DuPont to him also inclosed. Lieutenant Snyder upon the Ben Be Ford, Bana with General Sey- mour, Cross with General Terry, evinced by prompt attention to duty their appreciation of the responsibility of their positions. Other officers perhaps were equally diligent, but their positions not such as to bring their energies into requisition. No brilliant service was l)erformed by either officers or men. Lieu- tenant Town showed much bravery under fire, and his men, Cornelius Colter and John McLaughlin, Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, are deserving of credit for the faithful performance of duty. Accompanying this I forward sketch of the position of our iron-dads and the batteries of th~ enemy.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY S. TAFFT, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Department of the Sontl& . Maj. A. J. MYER, Signal Officer, U. S. Army. Not found Page 280 280 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [ChAr. XXVI. (Inclosure No. 1.1 FLAG~SHIP JAMES ADGER, Port Royal, April 13, 1863. Lient. F. B. TOWN, Acting Signal Officer, Department of the South: SIR: Your services being no longer required afloat, you will please report accordingly to Veutenant Taift, chief signal officer. I avail myself of this occasion to express my warm commendation at the zealous and most efficient manner in which you performed your almost ceaseless duties in keeping up communication between the re- serve squadron outside and the fleet of iron-dads inside the Charleston Bar, in whose attack upon the works of the enemy you participated. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. F. DuPONT, Roar-Admiral, Oomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Inclosure No. 2.] FLAG-SHIP JAMES ADGER, Port Royal, April 13, 1863. Lient. GEORGE STROOP, Acting Signal Officer, Department of the South: SIR: Your serI~ices being no longer required afloat, you will please report accordingly to Lieutenant Taift, chief signal officer. , I avail myself of this occasion to express my warm commendation at the zealous and most efficient manner in which you performed your almost ceaseless duties in keeping up communication between the re- serve squadron outside and the fleet of iron-dads inside the Charleston Bar. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. F. DuPONT, Rear-Admiral, Oorndg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. APRIL 9, 1863.Destruction of steamer George Washington, near Beau fort, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Beaufort. No. 2.Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticnt Infantry. No. 3.Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C.S. Army, commanding Third Military District. No. 4.Capt. Stephen Elliott, Jr., Beanfort (S. C.) Artillery. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Beai~fort, S. C. BEAITFORT, S. C., April 9, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the total loss of the steamer George Washington this morning opposite the Brick-yard under the following circumstances: On yesterday she started in company with the U. S. gunboat Hale for Page 281 CHAP. XXVI.] STEAMER GEORGE WASHINGTON. 281 Whale Branch, where the latter boat was ordered to take her station. The Hale ran aground at the Brick-yard, while the Washington went on her way to the ferry. Finding that the Hale did not succeed in getting off she returned to her assistance. The two vessels anchored opposite the Brick-yard until 4 oclock this morning, when the Hale started for her station. The Washington, instead of starting as she should have done, remained at her anchorage unt;il dayli~ht this morning, when the rebels opened fire upon her from a light battery of six rifle guns, which they had brought there during the night. The battery was about 1k miles from the boat. One shot struck the rudder of the boat and another, a shell, set the magazine and boat on fire, exploding directly in the magazine. The vessel is completely destroyed. AsfarasJcanascertainbut2liveswerelost; amen were wounded, 4 of them slightly. The rest all escaped. It is my opinion that the conduct of the officers in command of the two boats is deserving of the severest censurethat ot the Hale for starting off before daylight without giving notice to the officer in com- mand of the Washington, and of the latter for laying all night within gun-shot of the rebels lines, giving them ample time to bring their light battery from the railroad station. From all that I can learn the enemy is in considerable force in our immediate vicinity, and an attack may be expected at any moment. Colonel Elwell has applied to Captain Moore for the steamer Darling- ton, which I had just repaired, now the Washington is lost. This vessel is absolutely essential until the present emergency is over. She can only use wood, and is totally unfit to go to sea, and would be use- less should she reach Charleston. I respectfully request that I may be allowed to retain her. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. SAXTOK, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. CHLRLES 0-. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 2. Report of Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcEs, Hilton Head, S. C., April 10, 1803. GENERAL: I have the honor to report certain facts concerning the loss of the armed steamer George Washington. I most respectfully declined obeying the peremptory order of General Saxton to send the Washington to Beaufort before she had completed the task assigned her by yourself, as I supposed, in protecting Captain Graefs operations. General Saxton, on board the Flora, went to Sea- brooks and commanded the Washington to follow him to Beaufort, and Lieutenant Blanding felt obliged to obey. On the 8th the E. B. Hale and Washington started to go around Port IRoyal Island on a reconnaissance, conducted by Captain Briggs, Third Rhode Island Artillery. Before reaching the ferry the Hale got aground. At night she got off, and about 4.30 a. m. of the 9th started, without the knowledge of the officers of the Washington. The latter starte Page 282 282 COASTS OF 5. 0., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [Cni~. XXVL about 5 or 5.30 a. m. to follow her, and had proceeded a mile or two when a turn in the channel revealed a rebel light battery directly astern, perhaps a mile distant, which instantly opened fire. The Washington had only a howitzer astern, and could not turn to reply. The second shot exploded the magazine, which was in the afterpart of the vessel, unshipped the rudder, broke the steering gear, ripping up the deck, tumbling the howitzer into the hold, and destroying all the ammunition for the James rifle forward. The vessel took fire and began to fill rapidly. The master backed her toward the marsh on our side. Cap- tain Briggs ordered a white flag raisedagainst the protests of the master, Campbell, who continued his attempt to escape. They put the woun(led on the marsh and all scrambled off. The rebels, seeing this, resumed their fire, of course, and with great accuracy, though it is not known that any were struck while crossing the wide marsh. The wounded lying on the bank were captured by a boat party of rebels. The E. B. Hale, somewhere near Broad River, was informed by some one (she having heard the firing, it is said) and went back and sent or received a flag of truce and took the wounded; The Washington burned to the waters edge. The total loss is 14, all, it is supposed, from the explosion. Two were killed instantly; 2 seriously (probably fatally) wounded, 8 slightly, and 2 missing. Some of the men were hours scrambling through the marsh. No officers were hurt. No unusual movements of the enemy have been perceived. All is quiet. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. B. HAWLEY, Colonel Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Commanding Post. Brig. Gen. T. SEY~IOuI~ Chief of Staff, Depar~ment of the South. No. 3. R~~port of Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Mili t~ry District. HDQRS. THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA, Pocotaligo, S. C., April 16, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that at daylight on the 9th instant I attacked the armed steamboat George Washington, in Coosaw River, with two guns of the Nelsou Light Artillery, Captain Lamkin commanding, and four from the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, under Lieut. H. M. Stuart. Six companies of the Forty-eighth North Carolina, IDol. B. C. Hill, and five companies cavalry, Col. B. H. Rutledge com- manding, and two pieces light artillery, drawn by mules, nnder Capt. W. L. Campbell, Company I, Eleventh Regiment Infantry, were ordered to the neighborhood of Port Royal Ferry and Chisolms Island as a support. After a few discharges the steamer was set on fire by a shell and burned to the waters edge. The enemy raised the white flag and our cannonade ceased. They availed themselves of the cessation of our fire to escape to the shore. Capt. Stephen Elliott visited the wreck and found her armed wit Page 283 Cuir. XXVI.] STEAMER GEORGE WASHINGTON. 283 two 24-pounder brass howitzers and a 20-pounder James rifle gun. Two men of the crew were found mortally wounded and 1 dead. The wounded reported that 1 was burned up with the wreck, and among those who escaped several were wounded. A detachment of Captain Coopers battery, three Parrott guns, and Capt. Stephen Elliotts battery, two guns, had been sent to intercept a gunboat moving toward Port Royal Ferry. She passed the ferry, how- ever, before the batteries arrived. The Parrott guns were then used in shelling the pickets on the opposite shore, and exhibited great range and accuracy of fire. Upon the night of the 10th two pieces of heavy artillery and nine of light, supported by three companies of infantry and three companies of cavalry, the whole under command of Capt. Stephen Elliott, were sent to Chisolins Island with boats for the purpose of raising the guns of the burnt steamer. It was found that the enemy had raised one gun, a 24-pounder howitzer. Captain Elliott, with a section of the Beaufort Artillery, raised and brought to shore one brass 24-pounder howitzer, several Enfield rifles, and some portions of the vessels equipments. With the means at his disposal he found it impracticable to raise the 20-pounder James gun. The enemy shelled the wreck from the opposite shore, making it dangerous to work. There were no casualties in either affair on our side. I take pleasure in stating that the artillery practice was excellent, and the whole command showed great promptitude and alacrity throughout the enterprise. Capt. Stephen Elliott exhibited his characteristic coolness and skill as an artillery officer. Lieut. E. II. Baruwell, Capt. John II. Screven, and Lient. George L. Washington, of my staff, were zealous in the dis- charge of their duties, and rendered efficient service. - I inclose the report of Capt. Stephen Elliott. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & c. No. 4. Report of Capt. Stephen Elliott, Jr., Beaufort (S. C.) Artillery. IIDQRS. ARTY., THIRD MIL. DIST. or S. C., April 14, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit a report of the capture of the armed steamer George Washington by a portion of the artillery of this com- mand on the morning of the 9th instant. At 5 oclock on the 8th instant a gunboat and a steamer were reported near Chisoims Island, the former aground and the latter making efforts to get her off. The following artillery forces were ordered to report at the causeway leading to the island, viz: Beaufort Artillery, Lieutenant Stuart, six guns; Nelson Artillery, Captain Lamkin, four guns; Coopers North Carolina battery, three 10-pounder Parrott guns, and Company I, Eleventh Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Captain Campbell, two guns. While the batteries were being brought into position the gunboat, which had now been set afloat by the rising tide, moved off toward Port Royal Ferry. General Walker then directed me to divide the guns an Page 284 284 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XIVi. to take one portion to the ferry with the view of intercepting lice, and to order the other portion to open fire on the steamer as soon as she should attempt to move. I directed Captain Lamkin with two guns and Lieu- tenant Stuart with four guns to remain, and sent forward the rest to the other point. At 5 oclock a. m. the steamer gave indications of moving, and these guns were rapidly placed in battery by their commanding offi- cers and a brisk fire opened upon her with 6-pounder shot and 12-pounder shell. After two rounds it was evident that she was disabled. She raised a white flag and drifted up the river and across to the opposite shore. Upon hearing the firing I returned, and observing that her crew were attempting to escape into the marsh opposite I directed the commanders of batteries to reopen fire upon them, and continued it until they had disappeared. She was now evidently on fire, and as soon as the explo- sion of shell and powder on board had subsided I boarded her and found that she had sunk in 4 feet of water, was burnt to the waters edge, and bad carried two 24-pounder howitzers aft and 20-pounder Parrott pivot gnu forward. There were 3 men in her yawl, which lay astern, 2 of them severely wounded and the third dead. They were taken ashore. Efforts were made to bring off one of the howitzers, which from want of proper means were unsuccessful. Attracted by the cries of wounded men in the marsh I entered it, but the reappearance of the gunboat rapidly ap- proaching rendered it unsafe to remain any longer. As the wounded men had been left where they would not be perceived by the enemy and could not be assisted by us~ I rode back with a flag of truce and directed the attention of the captain of the gunboat to them, and after some un- important conversation with him returned. No information of im,por- tance was elicited from the prisoners while in our possession. The practic~e of our batteries reflected great credit on the gunners, conducted as it was at early dawn and at a rapidly moving object half a mile distant. The expedition sent down two days afterward succeeded in getting off from the wreck a 24-pounder howitzer (which was buried on shore until it could be brought off with safety), the bell, and a small kedge anchor. A heavy and continuous shelling of the wreck from the oppo- site shore forbade all further attempts to secure the pivot gun. The enemy had already moved the other howitzer. My thanks are due to Captain Earle, of the Furman Light Artillery, a volunteer who rendered efficient aid during the attack upon the boat, and also to Captain Baruwell, of General Walkers staff who upon both expeditions afforded me the most valuable assistance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Ju., Chief Artillery, Third Military District of South CarolinG. Capt. JA~n~s LOWNDES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 10, 1863Skirmish on Folly Island, S. C. Report of Col. George B. Dandy, One hundredth New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS NORTH END FOLLY ISLAND, S. C., April 11, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the genera Page 285 CHAP. XXVI.] SKIRMISH ON FOLLY ISLAND, S. C. 285 commanding, the following report of an attack made last night by a detachment of the enemy upon my pickets at the extreme northern point of this island. When my regiment first took this advanced position, on the night of the 6th instant, the enemy probably knew nothing of our having occu- pied the island, as the advance was made in the night. On the 8th in- stant I received the following order from Brigadier-General Seymour, chief of Major-General Hunters staff: ORDERS.] APRIL 8, 1863. To the Commanding Officer at north end Folly I8land: I. Withdraw every officer and man to the woods (keeping the movement concealed by passing along the beach at low tide) except yourself and 10 good men. The signal party to go back also. Show not a sign of occupation; watch closely, but keep perfectly concealed. II. When the guns come up at night keep perfectly quiet; make allthe artillerymen keep concealed, and send all back not absolutely required to the woods until further orders. T. SEYMOUR, Chief of Staff. I complied with the order, sent the regiment back, and remained with 10 men on the extreme point of the island. Ou the night of the 10th nine pieces had been placed behind the sand hills at the point of the island where our pickets rested, six of which were 12-pounder rifled Wiard field guns and the remaining three 12-pounder Wiard howitzers (rifled) for marine service. The same evening a detachment of about 30 of the Marine Artillery were brought up by Lieutenant Sands, of that corps, to serve the three howitzers in case of an attack. All the pieces and caissons were carefully concealed by .piling bushes around them. During the day I had, with the assistance of Captain McFarland, U. S. Engineers, carefully reconnoitered the spot and the works of the enemy on the opposite bank of Light-House Inlet. The result of our investi- gations made us apprehensive of an attack by troops landed by means of boats or pontoons through ot~e of the water-courses traversing the marshes and communicating with the enemy~5 forces. I finally decided to send for anoth~r company, which reached our post about 10 p. m. This made our force on the point about 80 men. Our lookouts .~nd pickets were all instructed, in accordance with Gen- eral Seymours orders, to keep concealed, to watch carefully, and each picket was instructed to communicate to me by one of their number information of any movement of the enemy. Captain McFarland and myself had taken a position easily reached by any of the pickets, with which and the route leading thereto they were all well acquainted. At about llp. m. an attack was made by a detachment of the enemy, variously estimated by the pickets at from 200 to 500 men. The night was exceedingly dark. After having examined closely every person who saw them, my own impression is that there was not less than two companies, perhaps 120 men, composing the attacking party. They must have landed on the marsh by means of boats or pontoons (from one of the creeks before mentioned communicating with Light-House Inlet), which marsh is at times passable by infantry. Having passed to the rear by the edge of the woods skirting the long sand bar separating us from the renilnent they met and attacked our extreme left picket (numbering 3 men and a corporal), dispersing them and mortally wounding the corpomal, Charles Sabine, Company H, and taking prisoner Private John McDonald, of Company H. No information was given me by any of the pickets of the approac Page 286 286 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [011A1. XXVL of the enemy. They were first perceived by the detachment of Marine Artillery, who disgracefully abandoned their pieces, leaving their officeD, Lieutenant Sands, alone with them. Having deserted their pieces this detachment ran over a picket of my regiment stationed near there, and they also abandoned their posts without giving any information of the approach of the enemy. ~he enemy, having accomplished their object, retired before I could bring either my guns or men to bear on them. While the attack was being made on the pickets the enemy assembled on the opposite shore (Morris Island) and fired heavy volleys of mus- ketry, no doubt to attract us in that direction. After the attack was over 6 of the Marine Artillery men could not be found, and the same was the case in the morning ensuing. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, G. B. DANDY, Colonel One hundredth New York Volunteer.. Lieutenant MCHENRY, Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 12, 1863.Destruction of the steamer Stonewall Jackson. Report of Capt. Charles T. flaskell, Jr., C. S. Army. BATTERY MARSHALL, April 12, 1863. CAPTAIN: The steamer Stonewall Jackson, just from Nassau, was fired into last night and chased ashore on Long island by the Abolition. ists. She was set on fire at daylight by her captain, and will prove a total loss. Her passengers, officers, and crew are now at this post, 54 in number. It is a pity that she was fired, as she was under the protection of my battery. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLE~S T. HASKELL, Ju., Capt. WILLIAM GREENE, Captain, Commanding. Inistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 27, 1863.Affair at Murrays Inlet, 8. C. Report of .tdeut. Col. Joseph A. Yates First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fourth Afilitary District. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MILITARY DISTRICT, Georgetown, April 29, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 27th, at sunrise, two of the enemys vessels appeared off Murrays Inlet, and after shelling for two hours landed about 70 or 80 men, under protection of their guns, on a small island, and set fire to a schooner lying in the inlet and near the shore of this island, but out of reach of our rifles. They immediately retired to their boats, leaving one of their men, wh Page 287 AFFAIR AT MURRAYS INLET, S. C. C~r. XXYI.~ 28Z was captured by our pickets. There were four other vessels in the in- let, which they continued shelling nearly all day, but without effect. I immediately concentrated all the force I could spare from other points, and am prepared to resist them when they return, which I sup- pose will be very soon, to destroy the other vessels. I sent a section of artillery (two rifle guns) immediately up; also ordered down one of the companies of State troops, under Captain Boykin, who are stationed near Little River. Although not nuder my command ostensibly, yet are virtually so, they being within the limits of this district. At the time of their landing an effort would have been made to capture their party, but Major Emanuel had but one company at~ that point and one- third of those were on picket at the time; he consequently took posi- tion near the four vessels which were higher up the creek, hoping that they would attempt to come up in their barges to destroy them, but which they failed to do. They are not aware of our present force at that point, and no doubt will make another effort. If they do, I have so arranged it that I am in hopes of capturing the party. The prisoner I send under guard by to-morrows train subject to your order. From his statements (which circumstances render almost im- possible) I have good reason to believe he was intentionally left as a spy. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH A. YATES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Artillery, Comdg. Fourth Military Dietrict. Captain 1{ANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 4, 1863.Affair at Murrays Inlet, 8. C. Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph A. Yates, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fourth Military District. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MILITARY DISTRICT, Georgetown, May 5, 1863. CkrTAI~: I have the honor to report that on yesterday at sunrise two of the enemys vessels appeared off Murrays Inlet, commenced and continued shelling until 11 a. in., when they sent a boat ashore with 7 men, 5 of whom landed on the beach, for the purpose, we suppose, of burning the vessels now lying there. Our men attacked them, killing 1 and wounding 3, apparently seriously, as they had to be assisted into the boat. It appears that some of our men were discovered by them too soon to admit of the capture of the others. Major Emanuel, in hi~ report,* mentions Private T. G. Britton as having behaved with great gallantry. Arms of the man killed and 3 wounded I have turned in. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH A. YATES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. 1~ANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Not found Page 288 288 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [Cii~r. XXVI. MAY 18-21, 1863.Torpedo operations in Skull Creek and skirmish at Popes Island, S. C. Report of Capt. J. H. Mickler, Eleventh South Carolina Infantry. BLUFFTON, S. C., May 25, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to report the services of my command, whicli has been engaged from time to tinie for several weeks in arranging for the sinking of torpedoes in Skull Creek, with the view of destroying the enemys vessels, which are constantly passing through this thoroughfare. The labor was very great, and the work of locating them after they were got ready proved to be both dif- ficult and dangerous. 1 am happy to report, however, that in conjunc- tion with Captain (3-ray, who was in charge of the work, the torpedoes were placed in position on Tuesday night last, 18th instant, without any casualty whatever. On Wednesday night, with three boats and 28 men, I attempted a landing on Popes Island, opposite Buckingham, more with a view to cover the opeiation of sinking the torpedoes and draw a gunboat through from Broad River to test our experiment than otherwise. When within 50 yards of the shore the foremost boat was hailed by a picket, to which I replied with a few rounds of buck. shot, which caused them to retire precipitately. I was fired upon in turn from the next post to the left, with whom I had a sharp skirmish for fifteen or twenty minutes from my boats as I withdrew. I could distinctly hear the commotion on the island. I then reconnoitered the shore line nearly as far down as Braddocks Point, frequently ex- changing shots with the enemy. We kept up our feint for several hours and returned, without, however, bringing about the desired result. On Thursday night I secreted myself and 4 men in a hammock, known as Buck Island, where I remained all day Friday. I had ample oppor- tunity of noticing the movements of the enemy. On Thursday night and Friday could hear the grand rounds halted apparently every hun- dred yards; heard the officer enjoining the utmost vigilance on the part of the sentinels, and from observations on Friday I should say that they have largely increased their outposts. The shore line of Hilton ilead seems to be closely guarded; the sentinels walking post from one to the other as regularly as a camp guard. They also have re-enforce- ments near at hand, as we could see their tents in some places. On Fri- day, about 3 oclock p. in., a large barge with a pleasure party came in near and stood directly for our place of concealment (which is a part of the Spanish Wells tract, between Broad Creek and Calibogue River). I fully expected to get the fine boat and crew; but unfortunately the regular dispatch steamer Island City was approaching from Skull Creek, both boats passing about the same time, and 1 was compelled to remain quiet. A more favorable opportunity I hope may off~r very soon. I venture to suggest that a rifled cannon of sufficient range be l)laced at Buckingliam, with the view of firing upon and sinking, if possible, the cnemys light-draught steamers that carry dispatches from post to post. This would certainly bring a gunboat through Skull Creek of sufficient di-aught to explode our torpedoes, and might produce some advanta. geous results to us. The men of my command were always prompt and energetic in the discharge of the most exposed duties, and I am happy that I have no Page 289 CRAP. XXVI.] AFFAIR ON JAMES ISLAND, S. C. 289 any casualties on our side to report, and think it likely that the picket who hailed my boat was killed. Very respectfully, J. H. MICKLER, Captain Company E, Eleventh South Carolina Volunteers. Adjt. C. F. DAVIS, Post Hardeeville, S. C. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DISTRICT SOUTH CAROLINA, Pocotaligo, S. C., May 26, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to the general commanding. The necessary measures are being taken to induce a gunboat to come up Skull Creek. W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MAY 31, 1863.Affair on James Island, S. C. Report of Col. C. H. Simonton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry. HDQRS. FIRST SUB-DIV. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, Secessionville, May 31, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that this morning about ten n~inutes after 4 oclock a. m. a small party of the enemy, numbering about 200 at the most, effected a landing on James Island at the upper causeway, nearly opposite and against Legards house. Lieutenant Lancaster, in charge of the cavalry picket, as soon as the alarm was given, collected hi~ picket and advanced to meet them. He was between them and Battery Island. He found them around Legards house. As soon as they discovered him they advanced in his direction, attempting to outflank him. He fell back to the causeway between Grimballs and battery Island, and there protecting his flank took position. The enemy ceased advancing upon him, and as he in tnrn advanced on them they retreated toward Battery island. Some of the party escaped in boats toward Folly River through Schooner Creek, and the rest went to Battery Island, where they were taken off by a steamer in Stono. During this retreat the enemy shelled our men and fired grape from a gunboat in Schooner Creek as well as from a battery on Folly Island. The cavalry pickets were, at first 10 in number, increased to 18. As soon as the news was sent to me I at once sent forward four com- panies of Twenty-fifth Regiment, under Major Glover, with orders to engage the enemy in front, and at the same tiine sent Major Abney with his battalion around through the wood in front of Grimballs with instructions to proceed along the causeway from Grimballs to Battery Island and there attack the enemy on the flank and rear. My object was to cut off their retreat to Battery Island. My orders were promptly obeyed, but the bird had flown. The skirmishers from both parties sent out by me met at the old house nearest to Battery Island, and then drove down to Battery Island, finding none of the enemy. Nearly every man had left Battery Island. A large gunboat (the Pawnee) lying above Battery island commanded every approach to it. 19 R RVOL XL Page 290 290 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. This expedition of the enemy removes all fear of our supposed bat- tei4es on Stono, and no doubt we will have visits from them often. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES II. SIMOiNTON, Capt. W. F KANCE Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. JUNE 2, 1863.Union raid on the Combahee River, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C. S. Ar my, commanding Third Military District. No. 2.Maj. W. P. Emanuel, Fourth Sontli Carolina Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. H. Godbold, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. No. 4.Lient. P. L. Breeden, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. No. 5.Lient. A. E. Gichrist, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. No. 6.Lient. William E. Hewitt, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. No. 7.Capt. W. L. Trenhoim, Rutledge Mounted Rifles and Horse Artillery. No. 5.Capt. John F. Lay, C. S. Army, Inspector of Cavalry. No.1. Report of Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, C. S. Army, commanding Third Mili tary District. IIEiixzUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, MioPhersonville, June 17, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 2(1 instant I re- ceived a telegram at about 9 a. m. that the enemy had landed 200 or 300 men at Fields Point and that a gunboat was destroying the 1)011- toon bridge at Combahee Ferry. I immediately ordered the entire corn- mand to proceed to Pocotaligo Station and await further orders. 1 at once galloped to the station (3 miles distant) to put myself in telegraphic communication with the threatened point and to inform department headquarters. Upon the arrival of my command I ordered three companies of the Eleventh South Carolina Infantry and Captain Trenhoims squadron of cavalry (one company dismounted) to proceed by my special train to Green Pond the whole under tbe command of Captain Trenhoim, who was instructed to be governed in his operations by the last reports of the enemys movements. I sent with Captain Trenholm an excellent n~ap of the country and two guides. One company of cavalry and a section of a battery were sent to SaJkehatchie Bridge; one company and a section to Combahee Ferry. This force I considered amply adequate to repel any advance of the enemy. Receiving, however, two successive telegrams from Major Emanuel that the enemy were still advancing from Fields Point, and fearing they might have been re-enforced without the knowledge of our pickets, who had retired immediately on their approach, I telegraphed to Oharleston for some field rifled pieces with an infantry support, an Page 291 C~!A!~. XXVI.1 UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 291 proceeded myself to Green Pond to await the re-enforcements and ac- company them. Upon my arrival at Green Pond I learned that the gunboats had left the ferry, and reports from iietached men arriving at the post satisfied. me that the raid had been successfully accomplished and that the enemy had retired. At 11 oclock p. m. the Twentieth Regiment South Carolina Infantry, Colonel Keitt commanding, arrived at Green Pond, and about the same time I received an official note from Captain Trenholm stating that the enemy had finally disappeared. I refer to the inclosed reports for the details of operations. The enemy burned four fine residences and six mills, and took off with them about 700 negroes, who are believed to have gone with great alacrity and to some extent with preconcerted arrangement. Several intelligent negroes had recently escaped to the enemy. among them a pilot reported to be thoroughly familiar with the river. This will account for the boldness and celerity of the enemys movements. I beg to inclose with reports of subordinate commanders certain in- structions and orders recently issued to Major ~ (to whom an excellent map of the country had been sent), with a copy of a circular to planters, which had been posted at the railroad stations in my dis- trict, and copies of which had also been sent to two of the gentlemen whose property has been lately destroyed. The troops had been located about 3 miles nearer to Fields Point, bat two successive commanders, viz, Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffords and Captain Bomar, had remonstrated against their troops being stationed there, on account of the extreme unhealthiness of the locality, and they were moved to Green Pond. Ballouville is about ~A miles east of Combahee Ferry, and I had pro- posed to station aii infantry command there, but its surgeon sent in an official statement that troops could not be retained in that locality on account of malarious disease. As the conduct of the officers and several non-commissioned officers and privates of this command is to be investigated by official examina- tion I refrain front an expression of opinion in regard to it. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Co rnrnanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & c. [Inclosure No. 1.1 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, No. 50. Pocotaligo, February 23, 1863. In case the enemy land and advance from Port Royal Ferry the pick- ets at Cowpens, at Mackays Point, and on Keans Neck road near the bridge over Chisolms Island, will remain concealed from observation; all the rest will retire in the direction of the main body at Leveretts, watch- ing the movements of the enemy. A picket at Leveretts will climb the tree at that post and send report to headquarters. Should the enemy land at Mackays Point only, all the pickets will retire save those at Port Royal Ferry and Chisolms Bridge. Upon the arrival of the pickets at See inclosures to Lays report Page 292 292 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAr. XXVL Gardens Corner a squad will be sent down the Combahee Ferry road. They will conceal themselves at the side of the road and watch. They can send report of the enemys advance up that road by any one of those by-roads leading into Combahee River road. A large squad will also be sent up the Sheldon Church road; the main body will proceed by the Stony Creek road over the Hospa Bridge. Should the greater portion of the Abolition forces proceed over the ilospa Bridge, a courier will be dispatched by the road from Camp Pemberton at the spring through the parsonage, to inform the pickets returning by the Sheldon Church road. Should any portion of the enemy advance by the Sheldon Church road, the larger number of the squad will take the Union road and make a close observation of the enemy from the obstructions on that road. The pickets will, whenever the cover permits, exchange shots with the enemy, but particularly at the ilospa Bridge, at obstructions on Sheldon Church road, at Dr. Henry Fullers, at Mrs. Eustis Causeway, at obstructions on Union road. In all contingencies the chief of the squad (who must always be designated) in observation will send to headquarters from time to time couriers with information of the advance and strength of the enemy. These orders will be read every day for one week in each cavalry com- pany. A copy will be supplied by every company commander to all his officers and non-commissioned officers, to whose attention the extreme importance of familiarizing themselves with the main roads and by-roads of the country to operate in is commanded. By order of Brigadier-General Walker. JAMES LOWINDES, Captain and Acting Assistant Ai~jutant- General. [Inclosuro No. 2.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HIDQRS. THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, No. 112. f MoPhersonviUc, May 26, 1863. * * * * * * * XV. The recent false alarm of the I)ickets stationed on Combahee River was not justified by circumstances. Before giving such an alarm the pickets should have ascertained positively whether a boat had lauded or not and how many men were in it. If only 5 or 6,it is the duty of the pickets, if only 2 should be on post, to engage them. If a large num- ber, it is the duty of the pickets to fire a signal for their comrades and closely watch the enemys movements. As these troops have but recently arrive(l in this district, and may be ignorant of existing orders, they are warned that if another groundless alarm is given the pickets will be court-inartialed. If sufficient courage is not shown in watching the enemy pickets will be subject to the charge of cowardice and to he tried by court-martial. By order of Brigadier-General Walker: JAMES LOWNDES, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 3.] CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD MIL. DIST., Pocotaligo, March 27, 1863. The attention of planters and other slave-holders in this military dis- trict is called to the following communication from department head- quarters Page 293 CHAP: XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 2 ~i3 HDQRS. DEPARTMENT SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charle8ton, S. C., March 23, 1863. GENERAL: It is the wish of the commanding general that you advise all planters and owners of negroes in your military district toremove their negroes as far as prac- ticable into the interior of the State, as otherwise they are liable to be lost at any moment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. F. OBRIEN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. By order of Brigadier-General Walker: JAMES LOWNDES, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 2. Report of ]JIaj. W. P. IJrnanuel, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. IIDQRS. TROOPS BETWEEN ASIIEPOO AND COMBAHEE, June 6, 1863. Capt. JAMES LOWNDES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: On the morning of the 2d of June the pickets reported to me that three gunboats had arrived at Fields Point and were landing a force. In a few minutes after a courier reported that a gunboat was within 14 miles of the pontoon bridge over the Combahee River. I im- mediately ordered Captain Godbold to send a detachment of 20 men, under Lieutenant Gilchrist, to Fields Point to check the advance of the enemy and harass them as much as possible. Captain Godbold, with the balance of his men, was ordered to remain at Stokes Cause- way to support two pieces of Captain Bomars artillery which had been ordered to take position there. Lieutenant Breeden was ordered to take his company to. Mr. ileywards plantation, near the pontoon bridge, to prevent the enemy landing in that direction. Two pieces of Captain Bomars artillery were also ordered there, but before arriving there Lieu- tenant Hendrix informed me that he had just heard from a reliable source that the gunboat had passed the bridge and was going on up toward the railroad bridge. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Hen- dricks to turn back with two pieces and take a position so as to prevent the enemy from reaching the railroad. Lieutenant Breeden reported he arrived at Mr. Heywards place within one hour after the pickets re- port from the pontoon bridge had been received, and found the build- ings on that place and Mr. Lowndes in flames, and the enemy, about 60 strong, retiring to their boat. One gunboat was at that time at the bridge. Lieutenant Breeden opened fire upon them, which was kept up until they got under cover of their guns, when he retired to the cover of the woods from their shell. I arrived on the ground shortly after and found the enemy retiring to their boat, which was then lying at the bridge. I also learned that another party of about the same number had landed from another boat below on Mr. Lowndes place. Mr. Lowudes overseer came down and informed me that some of his negroes were try- ing to escape. I immediately ordered a portion of Lieutenant Breedens company to go with the overseer to prevent their leaving, who succeeded in bringing back about 30. The balance of the company remained at the foot of the causeway to watch the boat, which still remained at the bridge. After moving down the river about half a mile and back to the bridg Page 294 294 C6ASTS OF S. C., GA., AND Mm. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL for several times she finally moved down the river about half a friile below Mr. Lowndes and anchored, when I moved Lieutenant Breedens corn any down to Mr. Lowndes. Shortly after getting to Mr. Lowndes place I received intelligence from Captain Godbold that the enemy were advancing in force toward Stokes Causeway. I left Lieutenant Breed.en to follow the boats along the banks of the river, with instructions to join the main body after the boats had passed below the causeway, and, pro- curing a guide, I proceeded to Stokes Causeway. Before reaching the causeway I received intelligence that the advance guard had driven those of the enemy within Mr. Middlet ns mill. Arriving at the causeway I found that Captains Godbold and Bomar had advanced towar(l Middle- tons mill to dislodge the enemy. I overtook Captain Bomars battery a short distance beyond the causeway and ordered him to proceed as rapidly as possible. Before reaching the mill, however, a courier re- ported that the enemy had evacuated and fired the mill and had taken to their boats. I understood that Captain Godbold had gone to attack them at Fields Point. I soon after heard firing in that direction, and I supposed Captain Godbold had engaged them. I ordered Captain Bomar to move down to Tar Bluff. I and Captain Bomar arrived there advance, when we discovered a boat lying not far from the bluff in which left just before the artillery came up. I then ordered them to Fields Point to try to cut off the boat. On arriving at the road leading straight down to Fields Point we found ourselves almost surrounded by the enemy, who opened fire in every direction, except the way we came from. Thinking that Captain Godbolds men had fired into them through mistake I rode into the road, and looking down toward Fields Point I discovered a gunboat had taken a position so as to command the causeway. On turning around on my horse to look after Captain Bomar, who had been fired into, I and Lieutenant Hewitt who were in the road, were fired into again from almost every direction. Upon look- ing around I discovered a good many negroes standing in the edge of the swamp, commanded by one white man. I ordered the artillery to fire into them. After firing into them several times, not knowing the enemys force or position, the woods being very dense, I ordered the artillery to move back in the direction of Tar Bluff. After arriving near Tar Bluff I met with Lieutenant Breeden, with his command, who had just arrived. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Edens to take a part of Lieutenant Breedens command and scour the woods down to Fields Point. Lieutenant Breeden was ordered around with the remainder of his command to take the main road leading to Fields Point, which he did, and arrived at or near there about sundown. Lieutenant Edens arrived before him, and on their arrival there they could see nothing of the enemy, as they had retired. Captain Godhold states that he had attacked the enemy at the same point we were fired into and had driven them back, when they commenced shelling from their boats. XVhen he moved back to secure his horses the enemy advanced again, and I sup- pose Captain Godbold was with his horses when we were fired into. In regard to the number of boats I cannot say with any certainty~ as the reports conflict; some of the pickets report they saw three, others but two. If there were three, one must have remained at Fields Point all day. If it had not been for our ignorance of the country and of the position of the enemy at Fields Point we might have succeeded jn capturing the greater portion of the enemy that landed there. We only had one mau wounded. I am not able to say what damage was done to the enemy. I have been informed that the most of the - property near the river from Fields Point to Combahee Bridge ha Page 295 ChAP. XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAUEE UIVEU, S. C. 295 been burnt. I cannot say with any certainty as to the number of negroes that escaped, but suppose it to be between 500 and (00. Please find inclosed the officers reports. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. P. EMANUEL, Major, Commanding. Capt. JAMES LowNJ~S Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Gapt. IL (lodhold, Fourth & nttk Carolina Cavalry. GREEN POND, June 6, 186~. MAJoR: Agreeably to orders, on the morning of June 2 (instant) 1 proceeded to Stokes Causeway to meet the enemy, who was said then to be marching in a direction for Green Pond. I remained there until about 1 or 2 oclock, when I received information that the enemy were burning houses as they advanced, and hearing at the same time a dis- charge of small-arms in a direction for Middletons mill, supposing the firing to be Lieutenant Gilebrist, who was sent with an advance guard, I immediately proceeded in that direction to re-enforce him. On arriv- ing at Mr. Middletons place I met with Lieutenant Gilchrist, who in- formed inc that the enemy had set fire to the mill and gone aboard of his boats, the boats moving down the river. I forthwith moved with the command in a direction for Fields Point. Not being acquainted with the localities of the country I advanced with my command mounted. I soon found that I was in range of their gunboats, my picket at the same time encountering the enemys pickets, driving them from their post. Here, amidst a furious fire of shell from the enemys gunboats, I ordered my command to secure their horses out of the immediate range of their shell, dismount, and advance on the enemy. Just about this time I received orders to report with my command at Tar Bluff. Soon after I reported there the enemy ceased firing from their boats, and I was informed had moved off and all was quiet. I am, ma your most obedient servant, II. GODBOLD, Captain Company F. Maj. XXT P. IIMANUEL. No. 4. Report of Lisut. P. L. Breeden, Fourth & iutli Carolitus Cavalry. CA~w GREGG, S. C., June 6, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 2d day of June, 1g03, about 7 oclock a. in., I was ordered by yourself to take my command and proceed to Col. W. C. Heywards plantation, on Combahee River, near the pontoon bridge, to prex~ent the enemy from advancing out on the causeway to Colonel ileywards settlement; but on approaching Colonel lleyward~s place I saw immense volumes of smoke, and on arriving at the upper end of the colonels settlement I discovered Page 296 296 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST J!LA. [CHAP. XXY1. considerable number of his buildings enveloped in flames. Ii met the picket near the upper end of Colonel ileywards settlement. I inquired the location and number of the enemy. They could not inform me of the location, but stated they were at least 60 strong. I immediately threw out skirmishers, when I took the remainder of my command and advanced cautiously down the main road, endeavoring to get a position at a small breastwork near the end of the causeway, which I succeeded in doing; but on my arrival there I discovered the enemy retiring on the causeway toward their boat, which was lying near the pontoon bridge in such a position as to command the causeway. The enemys vanguard was some 300 yards distant. I ordered my men to open fire on them, which I kept up until they were entirely under cover and pro. tection of their guns. When we opened fire the enemy returned it, re- tiring. The enemy proceeded to shell us rapidly for a short while. I fell back under cover of the woods, & c., at which time you arrived on the ground. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. L. BIIEEDEN, Lieutenant, Comdg. Compan~~ LI, Fourth Regiment. Maj. W. P. EMANUEL. No. 5. Report of J9ieut. A. LI. Gilchrist, Fourth South Garolina Oavalry. GREEN POND, S. C., June 6, 1863. MAJOR: Agreeably to orders, on the morning of the 2d instant I pro. ceeded with 20 men as an advance guard on the direct road to Fields Point nut il I arrived at Middletons plantation, some 4 miles from the Point, where I came up to the last picket. I inquired of him of the whereabouts of the enemy. His report to me was that he was within 1~ miles of him, on the main road from Green Pond to Fields Point. I~ot knowing the locality of the country, I dismounted my command and took Mr. Middletons negro driver as a pilot. My design was to get in his rear and cut him off from his gunboats. After proceeding about a. mile on the right, from the road that leads from Green Pond to Fields Point, I found the enemy strongly posted in Mr. Middletons mill-house, on the bank of the Combahee. I drove in all of his pickets and ad- vanced within 200 yards of the mill-house. I found that his force was much superior to mine and that I could not dislodge him from his posi- tion. I then posted a picket on the right, left, and center of the house, and kept him in his position until one of the gunboats came down the river and took him off. I then marched my command back to the road leading from Green Pond to Fields Point, when in a few minutes Cap- tam Godbold came up with the remainder of his company and took com- mand. In the skirmish at the mill all of my command behaved with credit to themselves and their countrys cause. I am, major, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, A. E. GILUHIIIST, Lieutenant, Commanding Adrance Guard. Maj. W. P. EMANUEL Page 297 297 OnAr. XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. No. 6. Report of Lieut. William B. Hewitt, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry. CIIISOLMYILLE, S. C., June 5, 1863. On the morning of the 2d June it was reported to me by one of the men on post at Fields Point that two Yankee boats had anchored off and in about 100 yards of the guard-house; arrived there about 4 oclock in the morning. I received the news from there about 5.30 oclock and immediately sent a dispatch to report to you, and before my courier got out of my sight I discovered a second one coming to report and called him backthat is my courierand got the report of the second, which was that the Yankees had landed men and were on the march, and as soon as my courier returned I left him. in charge of the guard-house at Chisolmville and at one proceeded to fields Point to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy; but when I arrived at Middletons place I found that the picket had fallen back to that place, and ascer- tained of him, to the best of his knowledge, of the whereabouts of the enemy, at the same time saying that the enemy was at Middletons mill, and as soon as I could learn what they were up to I immediately re- ported. I also found Lient. A. E. G-ilchrist, with a detachment of 20 men as advance guard, who was in pursuit of them. I am, major, your obedient servant, E. HEWITT, Lieutenant, Commanding Guard. Maj. W. P. EMANUEL. No. 7. Report of Capt. W. L. ftrenholm, Rutledge ]Jiounted Rifles and Horse Artillery. CAMP RUTLEDGE MTn RIFLEMEN AND HoRsE ARTY., Me Phersonville, June 4, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 2d instant I was ordered by the brigadier-general commanding to proceed to Green Pond Station with Captain Wescoats and my command, con- sisting of three companies of Eleventh South Carolina Volunteers, Capt. J. J. Wescoat commanding, 159 men; two [companies] Rutledge Mount- ed Riflemen and Horse Artillery, of which there were dismounted, under Lient. W. H. Jeffers, 57 men, and mounted, under Capt. J. J. Magee, 31 men, making in all, and exclusive of hospital attendants, 247 men, and to co-operate with Major Emanuel in whatever manner circumstances might point out as most advisable. I reached Green Pond at abont 2 oclock p. ni., and learning that the force originally at that post was disposed thus, viz, two guns of Captain Bomars battery and one company of cavalry in the direction of Stokes and Fields Point, two guns of same battery at Salkeliatchie Bridge, and the other company of cavalry, under Major Emanuel himself, near Combahee Ferry, I ordered Captain Magee to move forward rapidly to Stokes, and to support the forces opposing the enemys demonstration from Fields Point. I put the infantry in motion in the same direction, and sent Captain Dc Saussure,of the brigade staff; who had been assigne Page 298 298 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MiD. AND EAST FLA. (CHAP. XXVI. to duty with me, to communicate with 1~Iajor Emanuel, and also sent a mounted detachment to establish a line of estafettes between the Corn- bahee road and that by which my command was advancing, and took l)ost myself for the time at the terminus of that line, about 3 miles above Stokes. The latest information from Major Emanuel was that the enemy was advancing in force from Fields Point and their vessels were still lying near Combahee Ferry. My intention was to attack vigor- ously the force near Fields Point, and if successful in defeating tb~m to Post the artillery at Tar Bluff to intercept the return of the enen~ys vessels, and to assist Major Emanuel by sending a detachment up the river road. Had my command reached Green Pond at noon I have reason to believe that this could have been done, and that the enemy would have been well punished for his atrocities. At 2.45 p. m. I re- ceived a message from Captain Magee that he had information from Madame Tadini that there were lai~ge fires in the direction of Chisoim- yule, and fearing that the enemy, while attracting oar attention at other points, was arriving at the Ashepoo Bridge, I considered it proper to delay the infantry and to send Sergeant Baruwell with a mounted farce to ascertain the condition of things beyond the Cheeba. In this recpn- naissance he experienced a vexatious and unexpected delay in conse- quence of the removal of the bridges on the most direct route, ana it was not until Th30 p. in. that he returned and reported everything quiet. I then pushed on, but on reaching a point about a mile beyond Stokes met Major Emanuels command returning to camp, and learned from the officers that the enemy had retired to their vessels and that the latter had gone below Fields Point. I accordingly allowed my cam- maud to seek shelter from the descending rain around Stokes, and. re- mained there for the night, so reporting to the brigadier-general cOm- manding, who had meanwhile arrived at Green Pond, and to whom I had previously sent Captain De Saussure to explain the positiolb of affairs. On the 3d instant I bronght my command back to MePhersonville where it arrived at midnight. I take pleasure in bearing testimony t~ the zeal and efficiency of the officers and the very orderly conduct and cheerful endurance of the men under my command. I made careful inquiry, and could ascertain no injury done to private property by their presence except the burning of a few rails at Mrs. Girardeans planta- tion on the night of the 2d instant, and this I consider fully authorized by the state of the weather and the impossibility of procuring other fuel. I felt my usefulness and security very much increased by the accurate information of the country derived from Corpl. B. H. Barn- well and Private H. M. Stuart,of B.V.A., who accompanied me, and also by the use of an excellent map from district headquarters. Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, W. L. TRENIIOLM, R. A!. R. and H. A., Captain, Commanding Expedition. Capt. JAMES LOWNDES, A. A. A. G., Third District. No. 8. Report of Capt. John F. Lay, C. S. Army, inspector of Cavalry. IIDQRS. DEPT. SOTJTII CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, & U., June 24, 1863. GENERAL: In obedience to orders from department headquarters Page 299 CHAP. XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, s. c. 299 have visited the scene and made investigation of the facts connected with the recent Abolition raid upon the Combahee River and. the atro- cious conduct of the enemy engaged in it, and have to submit the fol- lowing report of facts, gathered from every available source: Some three or four weeks preceding the 2d day of June, 1863 (the day of the raid), Major Emanuel, with his squadron of cavalry, of Rutledges regiment of cavalry, who had been previously stationed near George- town, in the Fourth Military District of South Carolina, reported tin- der orders for duty with his regiment in the Third Military District of South Carolina, and was ordered. by Brigadier-General Walker, com- manding, to take position and command. of the post at Green Pond, on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, between the Combahee and Aslie- ~00 Rivers. Be was by special order directed to acquaint and familiai- ize himself and officers with the localities and lines of defense in the d.rs- triet of country under his command, and for that purpose was furnished with an accurate map of the country. (See Inclosure A.) Instructiolas for picket duty were furnished. him, ord.ering pickets, even if few in number, to engage the enemy, and. at all events to ~re signals and re- tire, closely watching the movements of the enemy. (See Exhibit B.~ llisspecial attention was very soon thereafter called to an extract frGIn an Abolition paper giving intimation of some projected raid by the enemys forces from Hilton Head~ He was cautioned to increased vigi- lance, and received general instructions in view of an engagement wEth them. (See Inclosure C.) About this same time a written notice was given to the adjacent planters advising the removal of their negro property to the interior. Major Emanuel had also with him Captain Bomars company of light artillery. On the morning of the 2d of June, 1863, Major Emanuel being with his command at Green Pond, and. having a picket force at Fields Point of 6 men, in charge of Corpl. U. H. Newton, Company B, and another force at Combahee Perry, on the pontoon bridge, of tl men, in charge of Corpl. W. D. Wall, Company F, about 7 a. m. a courier from Lieutenant ilewit, commander of outposts, stationed at Chisolmville, reached the camp, informing Major Emanuel that three gunboats were at Fields Point landing troops, and a few moments after another courier, stating that a gunboat was steaming up the Combahee River and was within 1 to 1~ miles of the pontoon bridge. Lance-Corporal Newton, chief of the Fields Point picket, states that about 3 a. m. of the 2d June, 1863, he first saw two steamers about 2 miles in the river or sound below Fields Point; that the night was bright and he could see a long distance; he watched them until they came neat; he then mounted his men and fell back about 300 yards, dismounted, and leaving the horses went back to the Point. He saw them land from 8 to 12 men, who went np the bank of the river, and he also heard them launch other boats. He immediately sent off a courier with the inforuaa- tion to Lieutenant Hewitt, commander of outposts at Chisolmville, abou.t 10 miles distant, and soon after sent off another courier. The party which had landed then took a road leading to the rear of him, and hav- ing only 5 men left with him he felt compelled to retire, especially as their arms were inferior and unreliable. He fell back some 300 yards. The enemy, being re-enforced, saw him and advanced up the causeway, having 2 white men in advance, the others marching by fours, but can- not say how many there were. Sending off another courier, he still ~- tired, the enemy following for 14 miles to the cross-roads, he keeping them in sight. There was no firing on either side. Beyond this point * See Inclosure No. 2 to Walkers report, p 292 Page 300 300 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. the enemy did not advance, and he, continuing to fall back, lost sight of them and saw them no more. Soon he was met by the detachment un- der Lieutenant Gilchrist and reported to him. Lieutenant Gilchrist then went on toward Tar Bluff; leaving him in charge of lhe horses, and soon after he heard firing from that direction. Corporal Wall, chief of picket at Combahee Ferry, states that about 6 or 6.30 a. m. on the 2d June, 1863, a steamer came in sight of his post at the pontoon bridge; that he immediately sent a courier to Major Emanuel at his camp; he mounted his men, and as they crossed the bridge he saw a fire some distance dowii the river, but upon whose plan- tation he cannot say. As they passed over the long causeway leading from the bridge to Col. W. C. ileywards they were fired on twice from the boat~ when they reached the upper end of the causeway they saw the boat approach the bridge and land a forc~. He then sent another courier to Major Emanuel to inform him that the enemy were landing. A party of 25 or 30 who had landed did not approach the causeway, but marched up and down the bank under a flag. He sent one of his men around to the plantation of Mr. Charles Lowndes to ascertain if any party had landed there, and leaving one man at the head of the causeway, near to a breastwork, he galloped to Colonel fleywards residence to in- form him and to ask if he could render any assistance to get his ne- groes off. He then returned and saw the enemy marching up the cause- way, 50 or 60 strong, of which number about 10 were whites only. He remained on horseback until they came within 500 yards, and then re- tired with his comrade to dismount, tie their horses, return to the breast- work, and fire on them, but hearing the picket sent to Mr. Lowndes fire, and supposing that a party was in his rear, he did not return, but fell back, and was joined by another man from camp, who took charge of the horses, He watched and saw the party come up nearly to the breast- work and turn in at the gate leading to the residence of Colonel Hey- ward, and also saw them when they commenced firing the buildings. A party of them went on toward the negro houses; he followed with his comrade and was fired on by them, and he returned the fire at about 300 yards. (This picket was armed with Enfield rifles and this was the first time that they had fired at all, except Corporal Wall states that when fired on from the boat as he crossed the bridge he fired in return. Colonel Heyward states that this is not a fact.) He retired back upon the road and saw the company under Lieutenant Breeden approaching; leaving his comrade he dashed to meet him, to urge him to come up at full speed. He (Lieutenant Breeden) came up promptly to where he (Wall) had left his comrade, dismounted his men, and sent out scouts, delaying some twenty minutes, and then moved on cautiously to the breastwork; when he reached there the enemy were retreating down the causeway, some 300 yards distant, with the stolen negroes in advance of them (Capt. L. Do Saussure, of staff of Brigadier- General Walker, states that Wall told him the stolen negroes were iu rear of them, scattered along the causeway, and that when they fired these negroes scattered to the right and left). Lieutenant Breeden fired on them; they ran, then rallied and returned the fire. He did not ad- vance or pursue them. Very soon the boat left, and Lieutenant Breeden with his command moved toward Fields Point. As we approached we heard firing there, and when we reached there, riding slowly, the enemy had gone. Corporal Wall denies a conversation as reported to have been held by him with Mr. Hughes, the overseer of Colonel Heyward, as wil ibe hereinafter given, but says that he told Mr. Hughes that when Lieu Page 301 CHAP. XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 301 tenant Breeden approached to within 500 yards of the breastworks his scouts, whom he had sent on from the field, called tohim to rush on; they could see the enemy leaving the premises of Colonel ileyward; that the lieutenant looked sick, ready to vomit, and said to his men, I am given out; I cant run; that he also stated that they had not been far, and that they knew nothing of the country or course of the river, and that they had no sabers with them. John D. Sanders (who, with Privates Lumpkin and Leightley and Lieutenant Brunson, of Capt. T. G. Allens company of State troops, the Combahee Rangers, was at the farm of Mr. William Middleton, on the opposite side of the river from Colonel Heywards arid immediately at the ferry) states that Lieutenant Brunson went to the stable about 6.20 a. m. on the 2d June, 1863 ,and called to us that a gunboat was in sight; we could see it from the stable. We saddled up, and Lieutenant Branson, leaving us, rode off to inform Mr. Blake. Leightley, who had charge of the negro dogs, also rode off with them. Lumpkin and I re- mained until the boat came to the bridge and landed some men upon the plantation. He saw the picket from the ferry crossing the bridge just before the boat came up, which discharged two small pieces, sup- posed to be 6-pounder guns. About 30 or 40 who landed took a path across the field to the housechiefly white men; indeed noticed no ne- groesand none of them had arms. We were only 300 yards from them, and they must have seen us. We retired and rode off toward Mr. Blakes, through the woods, and met Lieutenant Brunson, Mr. Blake, and a few others. We remained three or four hours, endeavor- ing to keep between Blakes negroes and the gunboat. While there we could see the Yankees and negroes crossing the road, until, seeing none, some of us rode back to Mr. Middletons. The enemy had all left, but the boat was still at the bridge. We saw some of Blakes ne- groes endeavoring to get to the ferry; we went back to the road to get the dogs and cut them off; some of the negroes turned back. The en- emy had burned all the buildings at Mr. Middletons and taken off the negroes. When we returned the boats had left. We went down with Bell, the scout, and when we had passed the ferry we saw that the bridge was on fire, but not badly; we turned back and put it out, a~nd endeavored to collect the scattered negroes of Mr. Blake. At 6 a. m. tw~of the pickets caine up from the ferry to water their horses at the well. They gave us no notice and we knew nothing further from them until we saw them crossing the bridge. The Cotton Hope picket had a few moments before they crossed the bridge informed the ferry picket that a boat was in the river; we saw the other steamers lower down in the river. Mr. Lumpkin, Leightley, and Lieutenant Brunson support this statement. (See Inclosure E.) Mr. Hughes (overseer for Col. W. C. Heyward) states that he had a conversation with Corporal Wall on the Wednesday succeeding the raid; that he accused the picket at the ferry of having been asleep; that Wall denied this, but admitted that they ought to have discovered and reported the steamers sooner than they did. Wall also stated that when, after the enemy, 20 in number, all negroes except one had marched up the causeway, lie dashed back to meet the troops he sup- pOSe(l were coming down. By that time he found them, under Lieuten- ant Breeden, about three-fourths of a mile back upon the road halted near to Colonel Heywards corn field; that he at once stated all the facts to Lieutenant Breeden, and told him if he would charge down the road to the gate he would bag the whole party; that it would be impos- sible for them to escape; to which the reply was, Well, I dont know Page 302 302 COASTS 01? S C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [Cuip. XXVL that he (Wall) remained and urged him and offered to ride in advance and show him; That he marched his command down the road slowly and carefully, halting every few steps; that he then dismounted and moved on slowly, peeping over the fences, & c. The lieutenant (Breeden) finally said to his men, Men, if you choose, you can go down. After a little they went down to the breastwork. The buildings were on fire and the enemy and negroes gone down the causeway some 300 yards; they fired on them, and the fire was returned by the party on shore and from the boat. To an expression of disgust employed by me Wall re- plied, If Captain Godbold and his company had been here the prop. erty would have been saved. Mr. Pipkin (overseer for Mr. Charles Lowudes) states that about 6 a. m. on the 2d June, 1863, a negro from the barn came to him and told him that two boats were in the river and nearly up; he looked and saw them near to the steam-mill. They anchored at mouth of Jacks Creek (2 miles by water from the ferry); they landed a party of some 25 or 30, a portion of whom came toward the mill and settlement and a portion toward the causeway leading to Colonel ileywards. I ordered the stock to be driven out to pine land and followed it out. I had ordered the negroes to the woods, but they refused to obey, and scattered. I remained out until I saw the troops coining down from Green Pond, and coming very slowly. (This was after they had been met by Colonel ileyward, according to his statement, and hurried by him.) They rode up faster when they saw me and came up to me. Lieutenant Breeden asked if I had any report from the Yankees? I told him the facts, and that I knew the place well, and would gnide him anywhere he wanted to go. He went on at a slow lope and halted at the corner of Colonel Heywards fence. While there one of the pickets came tip and stated to him as reported in the testimony of Mr. flughes just given in. After a long talk he sent a scout of 6 men, not toward Colonel Heywards, but at right angles to the Combahee road, down Mrs. Smiths avenue; he then went on to Colonel Heywards draw-bars, at his first settlement (about one-fourth mile on), and dismounted his men, and sent 10 men through bars and street of the negro settlement to Colonel Heywards residence. By this time the houses were burned and the enemy and most of the negroes had left the premises. The remainder of his command he moved slowly down the road toward the breastwork, looking ~au- tiously over the fences. He stopped (Pipkin) at Mr. Lowndes gate, on the opposite side of the road, with the horses left, to guide any party which they might send in that direction. As soon as the boats com- menced shelling Lieuteiiant Breeden retreated with his command back to the horses and his men stopped in the shade. (The distance from the breastwork to the bridge where the boats were lying is 14 miles, over a causeway, with rice fields and marsh on either side, and by this narrow causeway the enemy were compelled to approach and retire in coming to Colonel ileywards. The breastwork commands the cause- way, and the whole position is a very strong and safe one, and might lz~ held by a small force successfully against large odds.) He asked Lieutenant Breeden for a party to go into Mr. Lowudes plantation with him. He gave 2 men only. He (Pipkin) went then within 400 yards of the barn-yard, and there met 2 negroes coining away, who told him that the enemy and all of the negroes were then at the barn-yard. He left the 2 men to take these negroes to the street and guard them and others, and, putting spurs to his horse went back at full speed to Lieutenant Breeden and found him in the same place, and told him what he (Pip- kin) had seen, and that if he would take his men in that he (Pipkin Page 303 C~& r. Xxvi] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 303 codld pilot him through a thick piece of woods around to the barn-yard without being seen, thereby cutting off the enemy and saving the ne- groes. Lieutenant Breeden replied that he was then under the orders of Major Emanuel and could not send them, but that he must go to the in~jor, down at the head of the causeway (he had passed while Pipkin was absent in the plantation). He went at full speed to Major Emanuel and stated all the facts to him. Major replied he expected the enemy to land on the causeway and that he wanted all his forces. After a few moments delay he told me to go back and tell Lieutenant Breeden to give me 6 men, but to return them as soon as I could. He went back and got these men. They went with him very slowly. He could not get them out of a walk. When inside of the plantation he met Sergeant Smith and 1 man, which, with his party and the 2 men he had left, gave him 10 in all, lie still left 2 to gnard the street and went on with the 8, Sergeant Smith being in command. When he reached the point at which to leave their horses only S of the 8 were with him; others had dropped off. Here 1 remained to hold the horses, and another, riding a stallion, could not link him, and refusing to tie him, he also remained. With the 3 men left him he (Pipkin) went on to within 150 yards of the barn. The enemy and greater portion of negroes had left and were on their way to the boat Here another man left, although the sergeant ordered him to remain. With th~ remaining 2 he turned on to the canal and went to the flood-gate, from which was a straight path to the boat which was taking in the negroes, and another bank, at right angles from the mill, upon which were a good many negroes then passing. He wanted to go down and cut off these negroes, but Sergeant Smith and comrade advised against it, saying he would be killed from the boat. Here he picked up 5 negroes going down, and as soon as the boat moved off from the landing he saw a negro girl going down. He left the sergeant and comrade with these negroes and ran down within 125 yards of the land- in~ and within ~0 yards of this girl, and saw 25 or 30 negroes who had not been taken on board, but who were making toward the boat at iWr. iNickols landing. He ordered the girl to stop; she refusing, lie shot her down; she got up and ran to where the others were; they all stopped; he ran up to them and brought them back to the sergeant. When he fired he was fired upon from the boat with small-arms. The horses and m~ were then sent for; the horses came, bnt men reported back to the lieutenant. fle then, with assistance of Sergeant Smith and com- rade, carried these negroes back to the street, and after riding about the plantation for some time, looking for any scattered negroes, he re- turned, and found Lieutenant Breeden and command at the stable iii the shade. Major Emanuel here came up and sent Mr. Lowry (over- seer for Mrs. Mason Smith) as a guide, with Lieutenant Breeden, order- ing him with his command to keep close to the river and watch the movements of the boats, keeping on toward Fields Point. Major Emanuel took him (Pipkin) as a guide with him to Stokes Causeway and thence to Fields Point, and on the way met a courier from Lieu- tenant Hewit and passed beyond the causeway about 2 miles into Mr. Middletons field, where were some old works; here they found a piece of artillery, under Captain Bomar, halted. (One piece was at Stokes Causeway) Captain Bomar stated that he had recei~-ed a note from Lieutenant Hewitt, stating that he had run a party of the enemy into Mr. Middletons mill, about I mile above Tar Bluff, and that he wanted a piece of artillery to run them out. Captain Bomar also stated that he had not advanced because he was entirely unsupported and tX~ared to risk his piece without support. At this point a courier came up an Page 304 304 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. reported that two gunboats had dropped down to the mill, taken their men on board, and were then lying off Tar Bluff. Major Emanuel then moved the piece of artillery to Mr. Middletons gate and left it there, and with his party (4 iu number) moved on to Tar Bluff (distance, 2 miles). As they went down heard shelling at Fields Point; went on the bluff; and found Lieutenant Hewitt and Fripp watching the boat, which was lying in the river, distant about 150 yards. Major Emanuel sent back for the piece of artillery, but just as the courier started the boat moved off down the river; waited fifteen or twenty minutes and artillery came up. Major Emanuel then took it, unsupported except by his small party, and took a rear road to Fields Point; when about half way found he was surrounded by the enemy in ambush on both sides of the road, delivering a cross-fire and wounding Fripp (who has since died from his wounds). The piece of artillery fired four shots, and then Major Emanuel ordered a retreat and fell back to Tar Blutl~ A few moments after reaching there Lieutenant Breeden and his command came up. After a (lelay of fifteen minutes a squad of his men were sent down to Fields Point by the rear road, while the rest marched by the main road. Here Mr. Pipkin states that he left them, but was told when the party reached the point the enemy had left. From these statements, and from the reports sent in, it appears that on the 2d June, 1863, at7a. in., Major. Emanuel received notice of the presence of these boats in the Combahee River; that he at once corn- municated with district headquarters and made the following disposi- tion of the troops at his command: Captain Godbold was ordered to send Lieutenant Gilchrist with a detachment of 20 men to Fields Point, whilst he with the rest of his company would repair to Stokes Cause. way to support two pieces of Bomars artillery, ordered to take position there. Lieutenant Breeden, with his company, was ordered to the I)lan- tation of Colonel Heyward, near to Combahee Ferry. The remaining two pieces of Bomars artillery were also ordered to this point, where they would have proved most serviceable, but Major Emanuel, influ- enced by incorrect information, not reliable, reported to him through Lieutenant Hendrix, and from a total want of acquaintance with the country and its localities countermanded this order and sent these pieces around 16 miles to protect the Salkehatchie Railroad Bridge, which point was only 5 miles from the district beadquarters, and en- tirely protected by those forces, from which he (Major Emanuel) would expect support and re-enforcements. He thus committed the serious error of materially weakening his small force to guard a point well l)ro- tecte(l by troops much nearer. The first disposition of his forces by Major Emanuel seems to have been judicious, and should have been attended, if properly carried out, with better results, but with the first error re- sulted others. From this point there seems to have been confusion of counsel, indecision, and great tardiness of movement, an entire want of active and vigorous enterprise, without which, while they followed after the movements of the enemy, they nether opposed nor disturbed them in their work of wicked destruction. The causes are many. This command of Major Emanuel has not been properly drilled, disciplined, or taught by him, so as to be effective upon an emergency. His system of outposts is loose and men and officers badly instructed. On this occasion his pickets were neither watchful nor brave; they allowed the enemy to come up to them almost unawares, and then retreated without ofl~ring resistance or firing a gull, allowing a parcel of negro wretches, calling themselves soldiers, with a few degraded whites, to march un- molested, with the incendiary torch, to rob, destroy, and burn a larg Page 305 OnAl?. XXVIJ UNION RAID ON TIlE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 3O~ section of country. The few men composing the picket at Combahee Ferry, taking position at the breastwork at the head of the canseway and firing doWn it, would have kept at bay a larger force than came to Colonel Ileywards, or at least would have delayed it until aid should reach them tp drive them back to their boats, and would, from their position, have been in little actual danger from the shell of the enemy (14 miles distant); indeed thi~ work was almost a complete protection to them and to the party of Lieutenant Breeden, who, according to his report, retired from it when the boats commenced shelling. No com- missioned officer seems to have been within reach of them to aid and advise them, and Lieutenant Hewitt, who, upon receiving notice from the courier, should have promptly repaired to them for that purpose, appears from his own report to have lost that valuable time in await- ing the return of his courier from Major Emanuel. It is difficult to get at any accurate history of the detailed movements of the separate com- mands, except Lieutenant Breedens; the reports of the commanders are very brief. The only successful effort made seems to have been the driving of a party of the enemy into Mr. Middletons mill, and they were allowed to escape for want of support to an artillery piece, which eventually came near losing that piece, and would doubtless have so resulted had the enemy beeu enterprising; and Captaii~ Godbold re- ports having driven the enemy to the cover of their boats, and yet that enemy is Ibund in ambush, to fire upon a small party in advance of the position to which Captain Godbold had retired, too remote to be in sonnd of the fire, or at least to render assistance to the small party of Major Emanuel in the engagement from which he retired, and which it also seems started the enemy back to their boats. The statements of witnesses, if to be credited, reflect most severely upon the conduct of Lieutenant Breeden and his command. From an accurate and searching investigation of the facts from every available source and from an accurate examinatiou of the localities and positions it is my duty to report the resulle of this raid as mortilying and humili- ating to our arms, and while I do not believe that from the time the rel)orts reached the camp the property of Messrs. Nickols and Kirkland and other gentlemen low down on the river could have been saved, nor could the forces of Major Emanuel have averted the destruction at Mr. William Middletons, yet that of Colonel ileyward and Mr. Charles Lowndes, with intelligent and bold activity on the part of these forces, I think would have been saved or a great portion of it. The artillery at Tar Bluff; supported by one company of cavalry ~nd the other com- pany active in squads against the various small and scattered raiding parties, would have resulted, I am forced to think, in the preservation of much valuable private property and in the severe punishment of the enemy. From reports which I could not very clearly follow up it is by no means certaiu that the Fields Point picket were not aware of the pres- ence of the boats the night preceding at or. about ii p. in., and failed to give the notice, alleging that they had been cautioned against false alarms, and thought they might be our own boats. The Combahee Ferry picket should unquestionably have seen these boats an(l given the notice from one to two hours sooner than reported had they been alert and vigilant and properly instructed as to the course of the river and the proper point of lookout. Major Emanuel seems to have taken no fixed position, nor to have commanded any portion of his troops, but to have moved unattended 20 H HVOL XI Page 306 306 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. except by a small escort, too small to improve any opportunity presented to him for action. in accordance with instructions from department headquarters charges have been prepared by me and preferred against Major Emanuel and Lieutenants Breeden and Hewitt. Proper steps have also been taken by Brigadier-General Walker to bring to trial the pickets at the several points named. This course I feel satisfied will result in public good. This raid by a mixed party of blacks and degraded whites seems to have been designed only for plunder, robbery, and destruction of pri- vate property; in carrying it out they have disregarded all rules of civilized war, and have acted more as fiends than human beings. For- tunately the planters had removed their families, who thus avoided outrage and insult. The enemy seem to have been well posted as to the character and capacity of our troops and their small chance of encount- ering opposition, and to have been well guided by persons thoroughly acquainted with the river and the country. Their success was complete, as evidenced by the total destruction of four fine residences, six valua- ble mills, with many valuable out-buildings (the rcsi(lence of Mr. Charles Lowndes alone escaped), and large quantities of i-ice. They also suc- cessfully carried off from 700 to 800 slaves of every age and sex. These slaves, it is believed, were invited by these raiders to join them in their fiendish work of destruction. The loss of Messrs. Nickols and Kirkland was very greatan entire loss, including for the former a large and choice library, valued at $15,000. It is pertinent to add in this report that upon the receipt of the dis- patch at district headquarters prompt measures were taken by the brigadier-general commanding to send troops to the proper points of support as specially reported by him, aiid that with reference to his system of outposts I found the most energetic measures in existence to secure vigilance and to guard against surprise, both by the issuing of instructions and the regular visiting of the diffhrent posts by Capt. L. D. DeSaussure, most industrious and efficieiit in the discharge of his duties as inspector of outposts. Exhibit F* is a copy of a report of Captain Dc Saussure, who had made a partial investigation of this raid before my arrival; his facts in the main agree with mine. Respectfully submitted. JNO. F. LAY, Assistant Adjutant- General and inspector Cavalry. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & c. [Inciosure A.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, McPhersonv-ille, May 19, 1863. Maj. W. P. EMANUEL, Commanding at Green Pond: MAJOR: The brigadier-general commanding directs me to say that you will require the officers of your detachment to familiarize themselves with the localities and lines of defense in the district of country under your command, a map of which will be sent to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LOWNDES, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * Only a fragment found Page 307 CHAP. XXVI.] UNION RAID ON THE COMBAHEE RIVER, S. C. 307 [Tnclo8uro C.] CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD MIL. DIST., lUiePhersonville, May 29, 1863. Your attention is respectfully called to the following extract from a late Yankee paper: The New York Tribune says that the negro troops at Hilton Head, S. C., will soon start upon an expedition, under the command of Colonel Montgomery, different in many respects from any heretofore projected. The Yankee papers have frequently indicated their movements, and it would be well to be on the lookout and consider your plan of opera- tions on the various routes of approach. Should any number of negroes cross our lines for such purpose bold- ness and confidence will be sure of success against any (lisparity of force. Maneuver to get a body of troops in their rear to cut off their retreat, and when they are routed the cavalry will pursue at a gallop, charging as foragers should they take to the woods. Those taken prisoners will be closely guarded and watched night and day by a large detail, and turned over to the State authorities as soon as practicable. By order of Brigadier-General Walker: JAMES LOWKDES, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure D.] Extract from inspection report of Col. John F. Lay, Inspector of Cavalry, February 2, 1863. * * * * * * * These two companies (F and I) have composed for some time a por- tion of the command of Major Emanuel, who was absent from his com- mand upon the occasion of my visit to his camp (to be hereafter re- ported). I met him in Georgetown only a few hours. It is evident that the command did not prosper under him; they have not improved as they should have done, nor are they now actively engaged in the work of improvement. Major Emanuel is not now immediately connected with them. I am informed by the officers that they drill only twice a week. They alleged as excuse heavy duties. Now, it will be seen from this report that the duty is very light, and no reason exists why a regu- lar and systematic daily drill, mounted and dismounted, should not be had. The companies are good companies, and only need this, under efficient officers, to take their proper position. * * * * * * Respectfully submitted. JNO. F. LAY, Adjutant and Inspector General. [Inclosare E.] & atement of William C. Heyward respccting the ~iIombahee raid. On Tuesday, June 2, 1863, at 6.15 a. in., servant knocked at door, stating that the driver, who was with the hands at work in lower fields, sent up word that there were three Yankee boats coming up the river Page 308 308 COASTS 01? S. C., GA., AND MID. AND LAST ILA. [Cair. XXVI. Immediately got up and sent word to him to bring up the hands and take them back into the woods. On first going out could not see Lhe boats in consequence of a bend in the river. Took my glass, a~i~ on going about 100 yards from house saw a large ferry-boat, with United States flag flying, upper deck crowded with people. She came up very slowly; sent a small boat ashore; 7 men lan(led; walked to and from causeway blowing a horn and waving a small flumg. After standing and watching boat and their proceedings tbr some time, say fifteen or twenty minutes, the driver caine up with the hands; again gave the or(ler to him, Take the hands back into the woods. Asked driver if any of the l)ickets had passed up causeway to report; he rel)lied, so one has l)assed up since I went (lowIl to work this morning.~~ Exam- ined with glass carehully picket station at ferry; saw the horses stand- ing quietly hitched. Yankee boat at that time within 1~ miles of them. One of myhands then said, Here they come. On my asking, ~ he rel)lied, The pickets. On again looking down causeway saw 4 men coining up, one much ahead running his horse; two shots were fired at them from boat. He came up to me and reported, Yankee boats in river. Told him that fact was known by me at least one hour since. Asked why they were so slow in reporting. He said, Ordered not to report until we are certain of facts; thought perhaps they might be our boats. Asked if he was the first to start to give information; he said, Yes. Asked if any one had gone to Pocotaligo; he said, No. Told him to hurry on to Green Pond for troops. During this time boat kept coming up, butveryslowly; it was about three-fourths flood; she passed safely the point where the torpedoes were placed, and finally reached the bridge at the ferry, which they immediately commenc~d cutting away; landed, to all appearance, a small force at Mr. Middle. tons, and in a few minutes his buildings were in flames. On again examining causeway carefully saw a body of men advancing in regular order, (louble-file; watched them closely and counted ten files, or 20 men; did not observe that they were-negroes; waited until they were within 400 or 500 yards of gate, and no help coming, took horse and left for Green Pond. About 3 miles from plantation met 9 men on horse- back, advancing slowly; told them the state of things. Officer command- ing said lie wished the company was with him. Observing the com- pany coming on about one-half mile off, told him of it; went on and, meeting the company, told officer commanding the state of affairs below; beard him give the order to trot or gallop. Then vent on to Green Pond and telegraphed to General Walker; whilst doing so the artillery company passed station on their way down. In a very few minutes two pieces of artillery returned; officer asked the road to Salkehatchie Bridge; told him it was 14 or 15 miles distant, and that General Walker was only 5 or 6 miles from it; said he was ordered to go there, and started. Returned to plantation as fast ~is possible and found, as ex- pected, that the troops had been too late in getting down, the buildings being in flames and the negroes gone or going off the causeway and bridge when they arrived. On my return the boat was about one- half mile below the bridge; do not think she ever passed up beyond it. My negroes who were left report that the party coming up causeway divided, part going off to burn the mill, the rest coming on up to dwelling house; they also state that there was but one white man, all the rest negroes. They burnt every building on plantation except the negro quarters. WM. (3. HEYWARD Page 309 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT PULASKI, GA. 309 JUNE 4, 1863.Expedition from Fort Pulaski, Ga., to Bluifton, S. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Lient. Col. Thomas H. Johnson, Third South Carolina Cavalry, commanding post. No. 2.Capt. John F. Lay, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army, Inspector of Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Licut. Cot. Thomas if. Johnson, Third South Carolina Cavalry, commanding post. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA CAVALRY, Camp Lay, June 5, 1863. CAPTAIN: I would respectfully report that on the morning of the 4th, at 7 oclock a. in., our pickets from Hunting Island, which is a part of the main, from 1~ to 2 miles below Bluff~ton by land and several miles by water, in the direction of Buckingham Ferry, reported the enemy landing at that place from three gunboats in considerable force and approaching toward Bluifton. I immediately ordered my force here consisting of Companies A, B, and 0-, Third South Carolina Cavalry, an(l Company B, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry, 182 men and 6 officers present) to get in readiness, and after sending dispatches to Captains Thrle, Smart, and Leadbetter (stationed at different places from 6 to 8 miles from here) for their commands to proceed immediately toward Bluffton (unless there was a similar demonstration about Red Bluff), I proceeded as rapidly as possible and arrived near Bluifton at about 8.30 oclock, where I fonnd a company of the Eleventh Regiment, about 50 strong. Bluffton is situated on May River, and is said to be 8 miles from my camp. The situation and localities of it will be seen by referring to the map of South Carolina. Hearing that two gunboats were at the bluff and the enemy in the town I ordered this company (of the Eleventh Regi merit), under Lieutenant Smith, forward as skirmishers, and sent two cavalrymen, dismounted, in advance as scouts. On the outskirts of the town, in the road, they came in contact with a body of the enemy advancing, which they fired upon and received their fire in return. The company of the Eleventh Regiment advanc- ing (while the cavalry were dismounting to support them), exchanged several shots, after which, contrary to my instructions, fell back, until the cavalry could arrive in supporting distance. All then pressed br- ward; the company of the Eleventh Regiment in advance, under corn- mand of Captain Mickler (who had arrived). The smoke arising in different parts of the town showed that it had been fired. He pushed on by the flames under a continuous fire from their gunboats; arrived at the bank of the river as the last of them were passing the bend of the river below. Captain Mickler, with 25 or 30 men, hurried down to cut them off, and as they would pass quite near fire upon them, but he arrived too late; they had passed beyond reach. We stopped as far as possible the further progress of the flames. I suppose one-half or two-thirds of the town has been destroyed, including some of the best buildings, which appear to have been selected. A large portion of the force, which as far as we could judge was about a regiment, disembarked at Hunting Island, and marched acros Page 310 310 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVL that neck of land to the town. The boats followed around the run and received them at the bluff whi distance. , le two other boats lay off in shelling. A great number of shell and some grape were thrown from the time we fired on them. One sergeant of the company of the Eleventh IRegi- ment was slightly injured by a shell. I do not know the amount of injury the enemy sustained. I would state that Captain Earles battery and Captain Smarts com- pany were stationed about 6 miles from my camp and nearly in an op- posite direction from Bluffton, to meet any advance which might be made from Red Bluff. Captain Leadhetters company was at ilardee- ville, 8 miles from my camp, and in an opposite direction from Bluffton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, TI3LOS. II. JOHNSON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Detachment. Capt. JAMES LOWNDES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsernents.] IIDQUS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., Charleston, June 30, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for information of War Department. A court of inquiry has been asked for by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, and will be given him, to inquire into his conduct on this occasion.* G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. JULY 13, 1863. Rather ineffectively managed, I fear. The court of inquiry will, how- ever, determine. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary. No. 2. Report of Capt. John F. Lay, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army, Inspector of Cavalry. IIDQRS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., Charleston, June 20, 1863. GENERAL: In obedience to orders from department headquarters I have visited the scene and made a thorough investigation of the facts connected with the recent raid of the Abolition forces at Bluffton, on the South May River, aiid the wanton and wicked destruction of valuable private property there committed. I have to submit the following report: On the 1st day of June, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, of Col- cocks regiment of cavalry, reached Camp Pritchard, 5 miles from Bluffton, and relieved Lieutenant-Colonel Stokes, of Rutledges regi- ment of cavalry, with four companies of his regiment just brought together, and not previous to that time under his immediate command. He established his camp and put out his pickets under the same in- structions given by his predecessor, not then changed in any respect. * On Augnst 17, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson renewed application for a conrt of inquiry, and in reply, August 20, was informed that no court would be convene4 until it cotdd be done without detriment to the service Page 311 CHAP. XXVI.] RXPEDITJON FROM FORT PULASKI, GA. 311 It does not appear that he took any steps, by sending out details under commissioned officers, to familiarize the command with the localities. On the morning of the 4th of June, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was at his camp with his command, having his picket at Hunting Island, just below Bluifton, and at Baynards, nearly opposite, but none in Bluifton. In Bluiftori was stationed a company of infantry, under the command of Captain Mickler, but Captain Mickler had the evening preceding gone up to Hardeeville, 16 miles distant, the headquarters of Colonel Gantt, commander of the post, to communicate with him and to seek quarters for his family, leaving Lieutenant Smith in command of his company. From this company a picket was placed on post during the night, but none during the day. The quarters of this company were on the bank of the river, about 300 yards from the wharf. Capt. A. M. Lowry, Company A, ~ regiment, was also in Bluifton, near to quarters of Captain Mickler, having couriers with him, as the commander of outposts, and to him the different picket~ were or- dered to report. Sergeant Jones, Company B, who was stationed at Baynards, reports that on the morning of the 4th June, 1863, he first saw a steamer about 7 a;m.; thatitwa s a foggy morning; that he at once dispatched a courier to Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, and in a few moments saw three other steamers. They stopped at the bluff and he thought made preparation for landing troops. He sent another courier. Then the boats moved up to shell the town. He kept out of reach; heard firing at Bluifton, and watched until the boats left, between the hours of 12 m. and 1 p. m. He states that he only had general instructions for picket duty, with no espe- cial instructions for this duty, and that he was ignorant of the country. Private Savage, Company B, was stationed at Huiting Island with one companion. He states that between day-dawn and sunrise they were on post looking down the river; about 1 mile below could see three steamers coming up. He fell back about 150 yards and sent his com- rade to report in Bluifton to the commander of outposts and give the notice to any party in the town. About one and a half hours thereafter saw the enemy landing. He again fell back, and soon the courier retnrned to him and reported that he could find no one in Bluifton at all. (Either this courier must have been totally ignorant of the locality or he failed to penetrate into the village, else he could not have failed to find the troops stationed immediately on the bank of the river near the wharf.) He asked the courier why he did not go on to camp; courier replied he did not know what to do. He then left this man to watch and himself went on and reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson that three steam- ers had come up the river, and that four companies had landed from them and were marching toward Bluifton at a double-quick. He then returned to his post; reached there about 2 p. in., and found the boats had all left. In his absence his comrade had left, gone to the command, and was sent back by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson. Lieutenant Smith states that in the absence of Captain Mickler he was in command of the company stationed about 300 yards from the wharf at Bluifton, and that as he was sitting down to breakfast, about 7 a. in., on the morning of the 4th June, 1863, he heard one of the men call to him that a steamer was coming up the river. He looked out and saw two steamers lying off 1~ miles distant from Bluffton, apparently at anchor, and one of his men reported that the enemy were already in the villa~e. He had heard no firing, and supposing that the enemy had alreaAlly landed and were endeavoring to surround him, he ordered hi Page 312 312 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. ronAr. XXVL men to fall in as quickly as possible (having first removed and hid his baggage), and then marched them out to the public road and fell back on it about 1 mile to Sandy Bridge, leaving two men to watch the move- ments of the enemy and sending two men in the direction of Hunting Island to ascertain any movement of the enemy from that direction. After remaining at Sandy Bridge abont half an hour, having hi~ men deployed as skirmishers ou both sides of the road, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, with his for~ces, came up and he reported to him. (From this point I state the facts as collected by me from the state- ments of various parties examined.) It seems that about 7 a. m. on the morning of the 4th of June, 1863, the courier from Hunting Island reported in camp first to Captain Campbell, Company B, and was by him immediately s~nt to Lieuten- ant-Colonel Johnson at his quarters near by. The bugle was imme- diately sounded and the companies ordered to form for a prompt march. Ammunition was issued, arms inspected, and dispatches sent off to vari- ous pointsthose to Captain Smart and adjacent companies ordering their commands toward Bluffton, unless a demonstration was being made by the enemy in the direction of Red BInIL About 7.30 the command moved off by companies as each was ready and without being told off or formed into squadron. (It should be men- tioned here that Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, in the absence of Colonel Gantt, had been and was the acting commandant of the post.) About 8 or & 30 a. m. (there is very little accuracy as to time) Lieu- tenant-Colonel Johnson, who had waited to see his command off and had overtaken them with his command, reached a point 1 mile distant from Bluifton, and there found the company of Captain Mickler, under the command of Lieutenant Smith, which had retired from the village. On the way he ha~1 been met by a courier from Captain Lowry with in- formation that they had been compelled to leave Bluffton by the pres- ence of the boats. Up to this point no firing had been heard from the boats or from the pickets, and Captain Lowry, with Lieutenant McAvoy, a courier, and 6 men from Micklers company, had remained at the head of one of the streets of time village in full view of one of the steamers until compelled to fall back to cover of the woods or bushes. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Johnson continued to advance, ordering Micklers company (50 or 60 strong) to follow after until he came up with Captain Lowry, and from him ascertained the position of the enemy as far as he knew it, his report being that two gunboats were at the wharf at Blufftou. Two reliable scouts were sent forward to reconnoiter and ascertain position and movements of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, with his adjutant, Colcock, Captain Lowry, and a few others followed immediately behind the scouts, the command being halted meantime. From the bend of the road near the mill, opposite the center of the town, the scouts saw the enemy in the road at the millat first only I man, but very soon some 25 or 30 in number, whom they fired on, which fire was promptly returned by the enemy, and at this point the gun- boats commenced shelling. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson immediately returned and ordered Lieutenant Smith with his company forward as skirmishers to engage the enemy, and promising to come to his support as soon as he could dismount his cavalry, and ordering him not to Pill back unless compelled to do so (Here there is an important discrep- ancy of statement between Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson and Lieuten- ant $mith, the latter insisting that his orders were, To l)ush torwar(l, engage the enemy, and f-all back until he was supported, & c.) beutenant Smith moved forward and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnsoi Page 313 CHAP. XXVI.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT PULASKI, GA. 313 retired with his command to a field one-half mile in rear to form and dismount his command. Halting here for this purpose and finding that the shells from the enemys boats at I3aynards (2 miles distant by scale of map) were falling, as he thought, in dangerous proximity to his horses, he determined to move them still farther back, and that he coul(l accoin- plish this more readily by riding them back. He thereibre moved his whole command back to a piece of woods 1~ miles distant, there dismonuted them, and marched them at a double. quick over the sandy road 2 miles to the point of support to Lieutenant Smith. (There is a difference of opinion in regard to the time consumed by Lieutenant-Colonel John- son in this movement, he being of opinion not more than thirty minutes, and others forty-five minutes or one hour. My own judgment, from an accurate examination of the ground and distance, is that to fall back the one-half mile and make the formation, then again 1~ miles and dis- mount, and then to march forward 2 miles over a deep sandy road, granting that it were done, as I have every reason to believe it was done, with promptitude, would consume all of forty-five minutes if not one entire hour. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, however, is very posi- tive, and fixes his dates by his first dispatch from camp at 7 a. in., and his second, written after dismounting and returning, at9 a. m. I rode over this distance and timed it twice.) The company of Lieutenant Smith after having, a part of them, fired into the enemy, were ordered by him to retire, in accordance, as he states, with his construction of the order of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson to him. It appears from the statement of Captain Lowry that during the -absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson he had sent a courier to him to inform him that Lieutenant Smith had engaged the enemy and that the enemy were firing the town. Before the return of this courier he stated that Lieutenant Colonel Johnson ordered him (Lowry) to press the en- emy into the fire. During the absence of this courier Lowry states that he heard Lieutenant Smith give the order to his command to retire, say- ing that he was being flanked on the left; that he asked him whobrought him such intelligence, to which Smith replied, Sergeant Woods, of his com~)any. That he then suggested to him that he should extend his skirmishers to the left and ascertain the fact before retiring, assuring him that he (Lowry) had a reliable scout out on th& lett, who would doubt- less afford information of any movement of the enemy from. that (lirec- tion; that Smith hesitating, he told him he was in command of his owim company and must use his pleasume, and that Lieutenant MeAvoy and others agreeing with Smith that if flanked he onght to retire, Smith withdrew his command until met by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson on his return with his dismounted troops. Lieutenant MeAvoy and his scout remaining with him, Captain Lowry did not retire with him, but con- tinued to hold the position, and reports that the enemy remained quiet an(l did not advance after they had been fired upon. Upon his return with his dismounted forces, retaining the company of Captain Cordes mounted, as they were armed only with sabers and pistols, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson met Smith retiring with his com- pany some (listance in rear of the point from which he had ordered him to advance; inquiring by what authority he had retired, he again or- dered him forward as skirmishers, with the dismounted cavalry closely following in support. (At this time the steamers of the enemy, three at Bluffton and two at Baynards, were rapidly shelling, though miecessa- rily liring uncertainly, as our troops were not in view.) At this l)oint Captain Mickler (who at ilardeeville had seen a dispatch to Colonel Colcock and had ridden at full speed to join his command Page 314 314 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. came up. He states that when within 1 mile of the village he fonnd the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson in line on foot and halted. That he pressed on, and about 100 yards beyond came up with his owu company, under Lieutenant Smith, deployed as skirmishers, but not ad- vancing. He ordered its advance at once, and was informed that Lieu- tenant-Colonel Johnson was in advance. He went on to him and found 1 ~m seated writing a dispatch; be reported to him, and informed him that he had ordered his men to advance, and asked if he had any objection, to which the reply was, No, it is just what I desire; advance and en- gage the enemy, I will support you, and we will drive them into the fire. He took command of his company, extended his flanks, and advanced. The whole force then moved on rapidly in and through the burning woods and town to the bank of the river. The firing had ceased from the boats, and the last one was in sight passing the bend of the river going rapidly off. At the suggestion of Captain Mickler he was fur- nished with a party of sharpshooters, and he proceeded rapidly to get below the bend to fire on the boats as they passed, but they were too late. The whole command then returned, and as far as they were able put a stop to the fire then raging, but the work of desolation was then nearly coml)leted. The enemy, it appears, came up with five wooden steamers, landed a force at Hunting Island, and then came up and took position with three of them at Bluifton and two at Baynards, nearly opposite. The sole object of the raid seems to have been a willftil and wanton destruction of private property. The village of Bluifton had ion g been deserted and uninhabited, and no negro property was withiu its limits or adja- cent. No negroes were seen by any one with the forces of the enemy; indeed the few men encountered at the mill in the early beginning seem to have been the only troops seen by our men. The enemy were not enterprising or daring, and yet accomplished their wicked work but too well. The ashes of Bluifton, with its withered and scorched remains of noble trees and beautiful shrubbery, present a sad scene of desolation and fiendish vandalism unparalleled in the history of civilized nations. There are points of criticism upon the conduct of Lieuteni~nt-Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant Smith obvious even to the casual reader of this fair statement of facts, as gathered from the most reliable sources of information. The loss of time at the critical moment by the move- ment of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson to the rear to form and dismount his command, instead of dismounting on the spot and sending his horses to the rear, is much to be regretted. The falling back of Lieutenant Smith with his command at the same time that the enemy was doing the same thing is equally so, whatever the motive from which it pro- ceeded. These officers have asked for a court of inquiry. I respectfully suggest that a full investigation will be for the benefit of the service, and recommend that it be granted them, or such other course ot investigation as from an examination of the facts may seem in the judgment of the commanding general more expedient to be taken. The conduct of the picket from Hunting -Island sent to report to the commander of outposts in Bluifton appears to have been deserving of censure. I directed his arrest and that charges be preferred against him. Respectfully submitted. JNO. F. LAY, Assistant Adjutant- General and Inspector of (Javair?,. I~rig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of AStaff, & e Page 315 AFFAIR NEAR BRUNSWICK, GA. CEAr. XXVL] 315 JUNE 8, 1863.Affair near Brunswick, Ga. Report of Capt. W. Jill. Hazzard, Fourth Georgia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, Savannah, July 2, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward, for the information of the commanding general, a copy of a report received from Captain ilazzard, of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry. I desire particularly to direct the attention of the commanding gen- eral to the good conduct of Lieutenant Grant and detachment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. MElICEB, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C. [Inclosure.] CAMP WALKER, June 29, 1863. COLONEL: Yours of this days date, notifying me that Brigadier-Gen- eral Mercer desired a report of the affair at Brunswick on 8th of June, has been received. On the morning of the 8th couriers reached camp about 10 oclock with information that two gunboats and one transport towing two large boats loaded with troops had started from Saint Simons Island in the direction of Brunswick. Previous information justified the belief that a temporary landing in Brunswick would be attempted. I therefore hastene4 to that point with the remainder of my command and reached there about 10.30. Soon after leaving camp the heavy boom of cannon gave assurance that Sergts. J. W. Taylor and Alexander Burney, with the Brunswick pickets, had disputed a landing. The firing was incessant for about threeLquarters of an hour, when the boats withdrew. Upon their approach these two gallant young officers assembled their pickets upon the edge of the bluff near the old wharf, and in a lying position gave them many well-directed rounds at a distance of about 150 yards. This picket was aided by men from two other posts. Corpl. A. B. Foreman, Corporal Lamb, and Corpi. T. B. Hazzard, when they saw the boats leave Saint Simons Island, hastened with all the men they could spare to their assistance. Soon after arriving in Bruns- wick with the remainder of my command the boats ascended the river. Fearing for the safety of the salt-works, some 7 miles up the liver, and thinking it might only be for the purpose of drawing us from Brunswick, I ordered Lieutenant Grant with the detachments of Ser- geants Taylor and Burney and such other men as I could spare, num- bering in all some 30, to select a good position and dispute every at- tempt at landing and not to fire until a good chance presented itself, while I hastened with the remainder of~the command to the salt-works. Upon reaching the works I found one boat lying at the mouth of the creek leading to them, while the other was returning to Brunswick, and as soon as the return boat reached Brunswick they opened a rapid fire. After firing some fifty shots the one threatening the salt works returned and joined the other at Brunswick. The firing became heavy. I has- tened back, but the jaded condition of my horses did not allow me t Page 316 316 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. (CRAP. XXVL reach them before both boats had well-nigh exhausted their efforts at driviig Lieutenant Grant from his position. I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallant conduct of the men subjected to this heavy cannonade, frequently at not more than 150 yards; their conduct is particularly commendable Owing to the fact that their fire was reserved. I also take pleasure in calling attention to the forethought and gallantry displayed b.~ Lieutenant Grant, Sergeants Taylor and Burney, and Corporals Foreman, Lamb, and ilazzard. Their promptness in assisting the Brunswick picket added much in deceiving the enemy in regard to our strength. After this effort the largest boat, which was recognized as the blockader, returned to the sound, whilst the others again ascended the river. Thinking the salt-works and the railroad bridge the points of attack, I withdrew Lieutenant Grants detachment and hastened them to the salt-works, while a squad, under the guidance of Mr. Julian Burnett, who had that day shouldered his gun and volunteered his services, hastened to the bridge. Upon nearing the bridge, which was out of rifle-range, Mr. Burnett perceived the vandals had fired it, and no sooner were our men discovered than they commenced a rapid retreat to their gunboat in a barge. To get a shot at them Mr. Burnett con- ducted the squad to a point which the barge was forced to pass at a distance of about 100 yards, but which brought them within about 200 yards of the gunboat and transport, which by this time had taken posi- tion in rear of the gunboat. As the barge passed the squad poured a well-directed volley into it; 2 officers fell and 3 oarsmen appeared wounded. A second round made the remainder of the crew cease row- ing until the boat had drifted out of range. The gunboat then opened fire, also their sooty allies on the transport. After many harmless rounds the boats returned to the salt-works at about sunset and came to. Supposing their object was to make a night attack, I divided my command, placing detachments respectively under command of Lieutenants Scarlett, It. S. Pyles, and II. F. Grant, who carefully watched their movements until morning. No further efforts were made at a raid, and beth boats returned to the sound. We lost one horse during the day from a grape-shot, but were blessed in losing no one; not even a wound was inflicted. A few days after, from the accidental bursting of a shell, we lost the heroic Sergeant Barney. Information, apparently reliable, states the enemy lost 3 killed, 1 offi- cer severely wounded, and others slightly. Very respectfully, W. M. IIAZZARD, Captain Company G, Fourth Georgia cavalry. Col. D. L. CLINUn, Commanding Fourth Georgia ~Javalry, Waynesville. (Tndorsem& itj Juts 6, 1863. Mention in orders the activity and foresight of Captain ilazzard and gallantry of Lieutenant Grant and command. G.T.B Page 317 CHAr. XXVI.] ATTACI( ON DARIEN, GA. 317 JUNE 11, 1863.Attack on Darien, Ga. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. H. W. Mercer, C. S. Army, commanding Military District of Georgia. No. 2.Capt. William A. Lane, Twentieth Battalion Georgia Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. W. G. Thomson, Twentieth Battalion Georgia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. H. TV. Mercer, C. S. Army, commanding Military District of Georgia. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, Savannah, June 27, 1863. GENERAL: Captain Thomson, commanding at the time Twentieth Georgia Battalion Cavalry, made a report concerning the burning of Darien, a copy of which was forwarded to you. Wishing a more detailed account, I called upon the officer in command of the pickels, through Major Millen, for a report, and forward you herewith copies of letters from Captain Lane, commanding Company D, and Major Millen, com- manding battalion.* It appears to have been impossible to concentrate a force sufficient to oppose a landing, and Captain Lane seems to have been misled by the size of the foree to believe more extended operations intended, and to have acted with a view to protect the large number of families and val- uable property at the ridge until re-enforcernents could arrive. I regret exceedingly the impunity with which the enemy escaped. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours, H. W. MERCER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. P. S.Two troops are stationed there now. [Tholosure.] IIDQRS. TWENTIETH BATTALION GEORGIA CAVALRY, Camp Jackson, June 19, 1863. Capt. WILLIAM A. LANE, Commanding Company D: CAPTAIN: I am directed by the major commanding to call on you for a written statement of the landing at and burning of Darien by the enemy on the 11th instant. You will particularly state the number of the enemy and the means used by yourself in defeating their purpose of landing and burning the town. Respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, M. E. WILLIAMS, Adjutant Twentieth Battalion. Major Millens not found Page 318 318 COASTS OF S. C, GA., A~D MID AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. No. 2. Report of Capt. William A. Lane, Twentieth Battalion Georgia Cavalry. CAMP JACKsON, June 19, 1863. MAJOR: In compliance with your order I proceed to give a statement of the affair at Darien: About noon on the 11th instant two steamers and two gunboats made their appearance in Doboy Sound, and without halting proceeded with great rapidity southward along the channel known as the inland pass from Savannah to Brunswick. Mr. Pease (a large owner of real estate in Darien and familiar with all the navigable streams thereabout) was with me, and expressed the opinion that they were going southward and not to Darien. When they reached the Altamaha, however, instead of proceeding southward they turned in the direction of Darien, and in a few minutes were vigorously shelling our pickets just east of the town, and in thirty minutes from the commencement of the shelling the town of Darien was being burned. The position of said picket being open and exposed, they retired and took position on the Ridge road out of sight of the gunboats. So soon as I discovered that the fleet had turned in the direction of Darien I dispatched couriers to the respective pickets, ordering them to rendezvous at a point between the ridge and Darien in getting 15 together. The woods surrounding Darien d succeeded in (which I may here remark is an open pine barren for several miles) were shelled during the burning of the town. I threw out pickets on all the roads leading out from Darien. with instructions to reach the town if practicable. When near the town on one of the roads I was informed by picket from one of the other roads that a party of the enemy, supposed to be 200 strong, had attempted to get in their rear and that the picket had fallen back. There were no white people living in Darien; all of its former inhab. itants who remain in that vicinity are at the ridge. They were in hourly expectation of the enemy there, and they could have reached there easily without the knowledge of the picket unless all the roads were picketed. By so doing the picket could speedily be drawn to any road by which they might advance to retard their movements. From the best information I have I suppose that 300 or 400 landed. They remained until the town was consumed, when they (the vessels) went out into the sound. Respectfully, major, your obedient servant, W. A. LANE, Captain Company D. Maj. JOHN M. MILLEN, Commanding Battalion. No. 3. Report of Capt. W. G. Thomson, Tuentieth Battalion Georgia Cavalry. IIDQRs. TWENTIETH BATTALION GEORGIA CAVALRY, Camp Jackson, June 13, 1863. GENERAL: I have to report that the enemy have burnt Darien to the ground; there is only one church and two or three small building Page 319 ChAr. XXVI.] LITTLE FOLLY ISLAND, S. C. 0L? standing. This was done on the 11th instant.: They came up the river in three gunboats, shelling as the5r came along. The officer in command of the picket states that between 15() to 200 negroes, under white o~~ers, landed and burnt the town. They cap- tured a pilot-boat, with about 60 bales of cotton on board. The men aboard of the pilot-boat state that they did not have time to burn her; that they hardly escaped themselves. They carried off some few iie- groesmost of them were freethe number not known. They also captured 2 white women, but afterward released them, telling them that they intended to come back and burn the whole of the houses on the ridge and along the coast. They then returned down the river and now lie outside of Doboy Island. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, W. G. THOMSON, Captain, Commanding Battalion. Brigadier-General MERGER. JUNE 1113, 1863.Operations on Little Folly Island, S. C. Reports of Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First Mili tary Distrtct. IIDQRs. FIRST MIL. misT., DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., Charleston, ~. 0., June 12, 1863. GENERAL: The enemy having advanced light guns to Little Folly Island yesterday to shell the wreck of the steamer Ruby, now ashore at Light-House Inlet, in accordance with directions Captain Mitchel, commanding the batteries Oil the south of Morris Island, opened fire. silencing them at the second shot. This morning I gave directions for him to open fire in case lie observed any indications for work on Little Folly on the part of the enemy, and this afternoon about 5 oclock, seeing parties apparently at work, he commenced shelling. About 50 men left Little Folly for the main island. The ~enemy replied from his batteries Oil Big Folly and his liglit guns, while his gunboats came up the creek north west of the island and shelled the pickets at Oyster Point. No damage has been done to our troops or batteries. Another mor- tar will be ill position to-night, and Captain Mitchel lias directions to prevent any nearer approach of the enemy, if necessary with all his guns. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of ktaff. IIDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPT. OF S (3., GA., AT~D FLA, Charleston, S. 0., June 14, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that yesterday afternoon, the enemy having appeared to be at work on Little Folly Island, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Yates opened fire upon them, shelling them for about three-quarters of an hour, putting a stop to their operations, whic Page 320 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. ~CHAP. XXVI appeared to be erecting a shelter or batteries near the inlet. A close \ watch has be n directed to be kept up and their work to be stopped whenever attelrll)ted. It is inten(led to throw an epaulement across the island to cover the camps and depots from such attenhl)ts as the enemy can miiake. The main magazine for the detached batteries is comI)Leted, and the artillery Princil)aIIy suI)plied with ammunition. it may be necessary to change the position of one of the guns now in battery, as from the l)oints at which the enemy appeared to be working two or three of our batteries can be enfiladed. I have directed Lieu- tenant Colonel Yates to make the necessary arrangements. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO THE OPERATIONS ON THE COASTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND MIDI)LE AND EAST FLORIDA FROM APRIL 12, 1862, TO JUNE 11, 1863. UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. *IIDQRS. U. S. FORCES BEFORE FORT PULASKI, fLybee Island, Ga., March 30, 1862. General JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, asking for some particulars of the operations by which guns and supplies were transported and batteries established at Venus Point and on the island opposite, whereby the navigation of Savannah River is controlled, I have the pleasure to submit the following, viz: It was known by our commanding general before the middle of January that our gunboats could enter the Savannah River above Fort Pulaski, on the south side through Wassaw Sound, Wilmington Nar- rows (or Freeborns Cut), and Saint Augustine Creek, and on the north side through New River, Walls Cut, and Wright River. Walls Cut is an artificial channel connecting New and Wright Rivers, which the enemy had obstructed by an old hulk and numerous heavy piles. These obstructions had all been removed before January 19 by a detachment of our troops (infantry and engineers) under Major Beard, Forty-eighth New York, and their removal reported to Commodore DuPont by the middle of January, in order that gunboats could enter the Savannah through Walls Cut and cover us in the erection of batteries. Mud River is also navigable at high tide~ for vessels of not over 8~ feet draught. A joint expedition of land and naval forces was organized by General Sherman and Goinmnodore DuPont to blockade the Savannah River above the fort. It comisisted of one regiment of infantry (the Forty-eighth New York), two companies of New York Volunteer Engi- neers, an(l two companies of the Rhode Island Artillery, with twenty guns of all calibers, viz: Two 8-inch siege howitzers, four 30-pounder Found too late for publication in Series I, Vol. VI Page 321 Parrotts, three 20-pounder Parrotts, three 12-pounder James, and eight 24-pounder field howitzers, accompanied by three gunboats. The troops were to rendezvous at Daufuskie Island, where we already had three companies of the Seventh Connecticut, under Major Gardiner, guarding Walls Cut. They were l)osted there on January 13. The land force was in readiness at Hilton Head soon after the middle of January. Various causes delayed the expected naval co-operation, so that no gunboats passed Walls Cut until the 28th of January. Another mixed force presented itself on the soutl~ of the Savannah River in Wilmington Narrows (a Freeborn cut), about the same time, the land forces being corn inanded by General H. G. Wright and the gunboats by Fleet-Captain Davis. I accompanied the expedition on the north side as General Shermans chief engineer, receiving my orders directly from and making my re- ports directly to him. General Viele commanded the land forces and Commander John Rodgers the gunboats. From Commander Rodgers flag-ship, the Unadilla (in Wright River), I witnessed the cannonading between our gunboats in Wright River and Wilmington Narrows and Tatnalls fleet in the Savannah on the 28th of January. The distances were about equal (24 miles); but little effect was produced. On the afternoon of the same day I made a reconnaissance of Mud River and the Savannah shore of Jones Island, selected Venus Point as the posi- tion for one battery, and located the line for a road or causeway between Venus Point and Mud River. Jones island is nothing but a mud marsh, covered with reeds and tall grass. The general surface is about at the level of ordinary high tide. . There are a few spots of limited area, Venus Point being one of them, that are submerged only by spring tides or by ordinary tides favored by the wind, but the character of the soil is the same over the whole island. It is a soft, unctious mud, free of grit or sand, and incapable of supporting a heavy weight. In the most el~vated places the dry crust is but 3 or 4 inches in depth, the substratum being a semi-fluid mud, which is agitated like jelly by the falling of even small bodies upon it, like the jumping of men or the raminii ~ of earth. Men walking over it are partially sustained by the roots of the reeds and grass and sink in only 4 or 5 inches. When this top support gives way or is broken through they go (lown 2 to 2~ feet and in some places much farther. A road or causeway of some kind across the islaiid from Mud River to Venus Point I thought necessary, and rec- ommended it at theoutset (even if the guns should not have to be carried over it) as the means of getting speedy succor to the Venus Point bat- tery in case of attack. Daufuskie Island, 4 miles distant, being the nearest point where troops could be kept for that purpose, General Sherman was kind enough to leave all matters having a bearing upon the location and plan of the battery, the devising of ways and means for beavy transportation, & c., to me. My orders were to consult freely with General Viele and the chief of artillery in everything necessary to be done not strictly within the range of my duties as an engineer officer. On the 29th January I dispatched Lieutenant ORorke, of the Engi- neers, in a small boat, to examine Long and Elba Islands, in the Sa- vannah. Major Beard, Forty-eighth New York, accompanied him. They entered the Savannah via Cunningham Point, pulled up the Savan- nah, stopping several times on Long and Elba islands; went around the west end of the latter to within about 2 miles of Fort Jackson. 21 R RYOL XI Page 322 322 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CuAl~. XXVt Lientenant ORorke reported the upper end of Long Island favorable for batteries, the surface being fully as high as that at \Tenus Point. The following extracts from my journal form a part of the history of the operations on Jones Island and the Savannah River, and may properly be introduced into this report: (Extracts frown journal of the Chief Engineer txpeditionary Corps.] February 14, 1862.The two engineer companies on Daufuskie Island, comrnande4 by Captain Sears, wer~ employed in cutting poles for causeway on Jones Island from Mud River to Venus Point and for the engineer wharf on Daufuskie Island, New River. On the 4th the whart, with 8 feet water at low tide, was completed; 10,000 poles, 5 to 6 inches in diameter and 9 feet long, had been cut and 1,900 deposited at the wharf. The men of Forty-eighth New York and Seventh Connecticut transported the poles on their shoulders, the average distance carried being 1 mile. I had a swath cut and cleared of reeds and grass across the upper end of Jones Island to prevent the enemy burning the island over. Navy officers izigaged in sounding Mnd and Wright Rivers. No certainty as yet that the gunboats will enter the Savannah. Mud River has but about 2 feet water in it at low tide, with a very soft, almost semi-fluid, bottom. Soundings in Wright River not completed yet. February 56.Nothing specially new. Engineer force engaged in cutting poles, filling sand bags on Daufuskie Island, building a temporary wharf of poles and sand bags on Mud River, and constructing a wheelbarrow track of planks laid end to end from Mud River to Venus Point. The Forty-eighth New York and Seventh Con- necticut and a portion of the engineer force engaged in transporting poles, plank, filled sand bags from Daufuskie Island to Jones Island (a distance of very nearly 4 miles) in row-boats. February 78.Finished temporary wharf in Mud River; carried several hun- dred sand bags (filled) across to Venus Point; also a quantity of plank and other bat- tery materials. Had the balance of the materials required for the Venus Point bat- tery pat into lighters, so as to be ready whenevei~ the gunboats should be ready to move. No immediate prospect of their moving yet. February 9.I visited Commodore Rodgers to consult in regard to his moving into the Savannah. Said he intended to attempt the Mud River passage that night on the high tide. The signal of his starting was to be one note from his steam-whistle. Returned to Daufuskie and consulted with General Viele and CaptaiN Hamilton, the chief of artillery. It was arranged that the fiats, with the guns and ammunition in them, should be towed by steamer Mayflower through Walls Cut and up Mud River just behind the gunboats. They were accordingly taken in tow in the evening after dark from the engineer wharf. The night was windy, rainy, and very dark. .The May- flower, after several attempts, failed to reach Walls Cut, and. cast anchor near the spot she started from. Gunboats did not move. I think they were justified in not doing so on account of the weather. I visited Captain Rodgers about midnight. At that time he had not fully decided to make the attempt. February 10.Captain Hamilton quite ill from last nights exposure in the May- flower. I consulted with General Viele, and it was determined to establish the Venus Point battery at once and wait no longer for the gnnboats~ also to do this by land- ing the guns in Mud River and carrying them over the marsh. Major Beard, Forty- eighth New York, and Lient. J. H. Wilson, Topographical Engineers, volunteered to assist Lient. Horace Porter, the ordnance officer, in getting the flats into Mud River and the guns on shore and into position. Accordingly the flats with the guns were towed by row-boats up Mud River against the tide and landed without accident. Two of them were taken about 200 yards into the marsh by Lieutenant Wilson. The Forty- eighth New York furnished the fatigue party, which had already been twenty-four hours at work on Jones Island, and were very much exhausted. Deeming it impos- sible to get the guns over that night I directed them to be covered with reeds and grass and left for the following night. During the night of the 10th Lieutenant ORorke, of the Engineers, with a party of volunteer engineers, commenced the magazine and platforms at Venus Point. The party concealed their work at daybreak (11th) and withdrew. The platforms were made by raising the surface 5 or 6 inches with sand carried over in bags. On this sand foundation thick planks parallel with the direction of fire were laid nearly, but not quite, in contact with each other. At right angles to these the deck planks were laid, giving a platform 9 feet by 17 feet. The floor of the magazine was 18 inches above the natural surface, resting on sand bags. February 11.Continued getting battery and road materials to Jones Island daring the day. Early in the evening I went to Jones Island with fresh men to get the guns forward. Major Beard, Lieutenant Wilson, and Lieutenant Porter too Page 323 CHAP. XXVI.J COllRESPONDENCE, ETC.IITNION. 323 charge of the fatigue parties as before. The work is done in the following manner, viz: The pieces mounted on their carriages and limbered up are moved forward on run- ways of planks (about 15 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 2~ inches thick), laid end to end. Lieutenant Wilson, with a party of 35 men, took charge of the two pieces iu advance (an 8-inch siege howitzer and a 30-pounder Parrott), and Major Beard and Lieutenant Porter, with a somewhat larger force, of the four pieces in rear (two 20 and two 30 pounder Parrotts). Each party has one pair of planks in excess of the number re- quired for the guns and limbers to rest npon when close together. This extra pair of planks is placed iu front in prolongation of those already under the carriages, and the pieces are then drawn forward with drag-ropes, one after the other, the length of a plank, thus freeing the pair of planks in rear, which in their turn are carried to the front. This labor is of the most fatiguing kind. In most places the men sink nearly to their knees in mud, in some much deeper. This mud being of the most slippery kind, stugularly insoluble in water and free of grit or sand, the planks become im- mediately smeared over with it. Many delays and much exhausting labor were occa- sioned by the carriages slipping off. When this occurred the wheels would suddenly sink in to the hubs, and powerful levers had to be devised to raise them up again. I authorized the men to encase their feet in sand bags to keep the mud out of their shoes. Many did so, tying the string just below the knee. At 1 oclock (morning of the 12th) I pulled hack to the schooner Keating, in New River, nod brought a scow filled with ammuuitiou into Mud River. It was carried across to Venus Point. The magazine and platforms were ready for service by day- break. Lieutenant Wilson got his two pieces into position at 2.30 a. in., and Major Beard and Lieutenant Porter their four pieces at 830 a. m. On the 12th Lieutenant Wilson went back to General Viele on Daufuskie to report the success. February 12.After giving directions for the fresh relief to be put to work in throwing up a dike around the battery to keep out the spring tides, which were be- ginning to flow, I returned to Danfuskie. The high tide to-day came to within 8 inches of the surface. Sent the following dispatch to General Sherman: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, GA., February 12, 1862. GENERAL: Venus Point and the Savannah passage is held by a six-gun battery erected by us last night. If everything goes on well Long Island will be similarly occupied to-morrow night. I will write to-morrow more in detail. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier-General Volunteers and Chief Engineer, Engiueer Corps. General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary tJoips, Hilton Head, S. C. February 1315.Various causes, particularly the weather, delayed the Long Island battery. On the morning of 13th rebel steamer Ida passed down by Venus Point under full steam. Nine shots fired at her, striking astern all but one. Elevation good, but not enough allowance made for speed of vessel. I was not in the bat- tery at the time. All the pieces except one 30-pounder recoiled off the platforais. These were at once enlarged to 18 feet by 17j feet. On afternoon of 14th thr~ e rebel boats came down, taking a distance about 1 mile from the battery. Battery fired about 30 shots. One of the vessels struck and all withdrew. February 16.The Ida left Fort Pulaski and returned to Savannah via Lazaretto Creek, Turners Creek, and Saint Augustine Creek. February 17.Returned to Hilton Head, as per General Shermans order, leaving Lieutenant ORorke with General Viele, with written instructions concerning the engineering operations to be carried on. The foregoing extracts from my journal are all that bear (lireetly upon the operations on the Savannah above Fort Pulaski. I did not return there on duty. I have received official information, however, that a second battery, consisting of one 8-inch siege howitzer, one 30- pounder Parrott, one 20-pounder Parrott, and three 1~-pounder James, has been established on Bird Island, just above Long Island. This was done on the night of February 20, the flats, with the guns, ammuni- tion, & c., in theni being towed np Mud Thver and ~tcross the Savannah by row-boats. Lieutenant ORorke, of the Engineers, was present as the engineer officer. I have received no report from him. On the 19th of February I was ordered here to place Tybee Island i Page 324 324 COASTS 0~ s. cx, GA., ANI Mfl. AND EAST rLA. teHAP. x~I. a thorough state of defense against approaches from Wilmington Nar- rows and Lazaretto Creek, to prevent all approach by water and blockade the channel, and also to commence operations for the bombardment of Fort Pulaski. On the 27th of February General Sherman issued an order assigning me to the command of the troops on Tybee Island, Ga., to enable me to control all the personnel available for these ob~jects. The foregoing extracts are from official orders. The absolute block- ade of Pulaski dates from the 22d of February, at which time two coIn- panies with a battery were sent to I)ecent Island, on Lazaretto Creek. To illustrate this report I transmit an outline tracing of a l)ortion of Savannah River arid the adjacent country.* I also send a package con- taining some of the correspondence between General Sherman and myself during the progress of the operations referred to. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMOiRE, Actg. Brig. Gen. Vols., Chief Engr. Expeditionary Corps. [Inclosure No. 1.] U. S. STEAMER FLAG, Wassaw Sound, January 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. THoMAs W. SHERMAN, Comdg. Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.: The undersigned, in accordance with verbal instructions from their respective chiefs, have made a joint examination of Little Tybee iRiver, or Freeborns Cut, from its mouth, npon Wassaw Sound, to within half a mile of Mrs. Barnards house, situated npon the first fast land on Wilmington Island. Above this the passage is also known as Wil- mington Narrows, until it reaches Saint Augustine Creek. They have information, which they deem reliable, that a regiment of Savannah light infantry without cannon is stationed on Wil ruington Island near Dr. Screvens house, a mile beyond Mrs. Barnards. They also learned that the channel passes near both these houses, within 50 yards of Dr. Screvens. They agreed that it was very improbable that the boats could pass so near the enemy without being seen by his pickets, and thus disclosing their examination. Discovery by warning the enemy to close this passage would have militated more against the interests of the public service than a successful examina- tion would have promoted it. Here, therefore, their reconnaissance ended. The distance from the ship to which their examination reached was about 9 miles, extending up Tybee River about 7 miles. The depth of water at half tide varied from 3 to 7 fathoms. They found that Isaac Tatnall, the colored pilot, was thoroughly acquainted with the channel. The accuracy of his knowledge of the part under examina- tion gives assurance that he may be perfectly relied upon as pilot for the rest of the passage. The channel as far as seen was wide, deep, and practicable; beyond they learn that it is narrow, but still deep, and it is believed practicable for vessels 160 or 170 feet long. The in- formation in regard to fie unseen part has been derived from carefully collating the declarations of Isaac with those of other negroes inti- mately acquainted with this passage. The undersigned have therefore come to the conclusion that gunboats may pass into Savannah River through Freeborns Cut without meeting any artificial obstructions or Not found Page 325 CHAP. XXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. any serious natural impediment. Should, however, any unknown obsta- cle be encountered the return will be easy and nothing will have been sacrificed. The undersigned would recoin mend that after entering Sa- vannah River a rapid advance should be made on the city, fighting the vessels past Fort Jackson, and reducing it from above in oidei to allow the unarmed transports free ingress. Upon the successful accoml)liSh- ment of this pnrpose the batteries on Skiddaway Island and at Thun- derbolt will probably be abandoned; their positions, no longer valuable, would scarcely be tenable. Fort Pulaski will be completely blockaded by the same movement, its supplies cut off, its usefulness destroyed, and its troops demoralized. It is found from the Coast Survey chart and from testimony that Fort Jackson stands upon a peninsula less than 2 miles wide, and covered with rice fields. Vessels stationed in Saint Augustine Creek and Savannah River can cross their fires over it, rendering troops holding it secure against successful attack by laud forces. This position, with a wharf, a fort capable of resisting a coup- de-main, with an open line of water communication with Tybee and Port Royal, with probably another shorter inland passage through Walls Cut, seems to be a good point dappui for a base of military op- erations in this vicinity. Herewith inclosed is a sketch showing route proposed.~ Respectfully submitted. JOHN RODGERS, Commander. Q. A. GILLMORE, Captain and Chief Engineer Expeditionary Corps. [Inclosure No. 2.] Memorandum of construction of battery at Venus Point, Savannah River. Near the middle of January, 1862, it was known that the Savannah River could be entered by gun boats above Fort Pulaski, from the south by Wassaw Sound, & c., and from the north by New River, & c. The obstruction in these passages had been removed before the 12th January by detachments of infantry and engineers, Major Beard, Forty. eighth New York, commanding. Joint naval and land forces were organized for each approach, north and south. The naval co-operation was delayed till the latter part of the month. Captain Gillmore accompanied the north-side expedition as General Shermans chief engineer. On the afternoon of the 28th January he made a. reconnaissance of Mud River. and the Savannah shore of Jones Island, and selected Venus Point, on Jones Island, as the position for one battery, and located the road line between Venus Point and Mud River over the marsh. Lieutenant ORorke, engineer, under Captain Gillinores orders, examined, on the 29th January, Long and Elba Islan~ls, in the Savannah River. Major Beard accompanied him. February to 7.Engineer troops cutting and transporting poles for ~anseway~ and wharf at Mud River; building wharf and forming road; filling and transporting sand bags, plank, poles, and other materials 4 miles, in row-boats, & c., to Jones Island. February 10.A fatigue party of Forty-eighth New York, after twenty- four hours previous work, towed the guns on fiats to the wharf and * Not found Page 326 326 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. landed them. Night of 10th Lieutenant ORorke with party com- menced magazines and platforms at Venus Point. February 11.Continued getting battery and road materials to Jones Island. In the evening Captain Gilimore went to Jones Island with fresh men to get the guns forward. Major Beard, Lieutenant Wilson, Topographical Engineers, and Lieut. II. Porter, ordnance, in charge of fatigue parties as before. Six guns, viz, one 8-inch siege howitzer, three 30 and two 20 pounder Parrott guns, being limbered up, they were placed on plank runs on the roadway of poles across the march. Lieu- tenant Wilson and 35 men had the howitzer and one 30-pounder in ad- vance; Major Beard and Lieutenant Porter, with a rather larger force, the other four pieces in rear. Each party had two spare planks with which the runway was prolonged to the front. When the guns were drawn forward with drag-ropes the rear planks were taken up and car- ried to the front. The men sink to the knees or deeper in the mud. The planks get smeared and the guns run off, the wheels sinking to the hubs. The men encased their feet and legs in sand bags. Captain Gillmore returned at 1 a. m. to New River and brought a scow load of ammunition over. The platforms and magazines at Venus Point were ready for service by daybreak. Lieutenant Wilsons two pieces were in position at 2.30 a. in.; Major Beard and Lieutenant Porters four pieces at 8.30 a. m. (12th). Captain Gilimore was able to report (same day) to General Sherman that Venus Point and the Savannah passage were held by a six-gun battery erected last night. [Thclosure No. 3.] DuNNS PLACE, DATJFUSKIE ISLAND, January 28, 186210 p. in. General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, ~. C.: GENERAL: I returned to this place from an examination of Jones Island about an hour since and have received your two communica- tions. I landed on Jones Island from Mud River about half a mile from the upper point of island, and there struck a course due south, through the marsh, to the Savannah River, and thence down the river to within about 150 yards of the Coast Survey tower on Venus Point, where farther progress was arrested by a deep creek. Below this creek and between it and Venus Point the land is evidently not so good for batteries as it is just above the creek. Here batteries can be erected. The surface has not been submerged by any recent tides. It is at least 18 inches above ordinary high water. I shall propose to General Viele and Cap- tain Hamilton P5 take sand enough in bags from Daufuskie Island to raise the platforms 8 or 10 inches above the natural surface. Sand bags to cover the magazine can also be filled at Daufuskie. The embrasures (if any are made) and the interior slope of the parapet need not be revetted with bags, as the soil is mostly used and will stand very well. Under the protection of gunboats all the guns in the lighters can be placed on shore and in battery in one night. It will not be necessary to crowd the guns very near each other, and Iwould prefer to have them some distance apart and to cover them as soon as possible with splinter- proofs. The men to erect and man the battery can be made comfortable by raising the ground on which they pitch their tents (to keep them above the water) and by using in the tents plenty of swamp grass as a substitute for straw. It will answer the purpose very well. I have not been able to communicate with General Viele or Captain Hamilton sinc Page 327 CHAP. XXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 327 my return, but will do so the first thing in the morning. If the gun- boats go through to morrow the battery ohght to be erected to-morrow night. My impression is that they will not go through until advices are received from the commodore. With our present knowledge of the river above Jones Island and the unknown difficulties connected with a lodg- ment on Elba Island I think the position proposed the best one known for closing Savannah River. If no move is made by the gunboats to- morrow I shall try to examine Elba to-morrow night. The Pembina had not passed the Cut at 7 oclock this evening. Our gunboats in Wilming- ton Narrows range from the Tybee, Martello Tower, just to the right of Fort Pulaski. I ascertained this from Colonel Rosa last evening. I took their bearing from the Unadilla to-day. By plotting these two bearings on the Coast Survey chart I find their distance from the center to channel opposite Venus Point to be 24 miles. They cannot do much at this distance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier- General and Chief Engineer Expeditionary Corp.. [Inclosure No. 4.1 STEAMER MCCLELLAN, Port Royal, S. C., January 29, 1862. Brigadier.General GILLMORE, Commanding Engineers, Daufuskie Island: GENERAL: Your communication of last night is received. Before deciding upon a site for battery-you will of course make further exam- ination. Examine northern end of Long Island Elba Island if you can. After all it is quite probable that it will be decided that Venu8 Point or vicinity is the place. Your suggestion of having this battery put up in one night meets my views exactly. General Viele has force enough there to render any amount of assistance. The cbmmodore will send another gunboat to Captain Rodgers to-day, and I hope two of them. You say nothing further of putting up a battery at the cut. It is hoped it will be found unnecessary. But you are the engineer of the expedition, and this is an affair of engineers, and that much will depend on what you deem best on the spot. Communicate with me rapidly when necessary, and confer with Brigadier-General Viele and chief of artillery in everything you undertake. I write General Viele so as to insure a frank co-operation between you. I am anxious that the chan- nel should be stopped as soon as practicable, but of course you are somewhat dependent on the movements of the Navy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. SHERMAN, [Brigadier-General.J [Inclosure No. 5] DAUFUSKIE ISLAi~rD, Wednesday Evening, January 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Read, S. C.: GENERAL: I have, your letter from on board the McClellan at Port Royal. 11 am sorry to say that the Navy appear discouraged at the prospect of going round Cunningham Point. I have not seen Captain Rod~gers to-days but ~save just returned from the Pembina. Captai Page 328 328 COASTS OF S. C,, GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. Bankhead reports 4 feet water at low tide around Cunningham Point. A shot from Fort Pulaski fell within 30 yards of his launch while sound- lug. Captain Bankhead also informed me that he saw very plainly thP; morning at it oclock two steamers towing a large wreck into Saint Augustine Creek. This, with the piles reported to have been encouiit- ered by Captain Davis (as Bankhead informs me), looks like a very serious obstacle in Saint Augustine Creek. I learn that our gunboats have all left there. No boats have passed to or from Pulaski to-day. One went down and back last night. No guns have yet been put in battery at the Cut. Captain Hamilton thinks that two 30-pounder Parrotts can be towed down early to.morrow morning. If deemed necessary they will be put in position. I look anxiously for additional light-draught gunboats, something that can get through on 9 feet water. If the Wright River route turns out to be impracticable (or decided to be so) I believe our lightest.draught gunboats can go down Mud River on a high tide, avid (without going into the Savannah) can cover our erection of batteries on Jones Island. I also think, from what the contrabands say, that a side-wheel steamer running up and down Mud River wilL deepen the channel very much. The bottom is very soft; a 10-pound lead sinks 1~ feet into the mud. Suppose we try this plan: Failing in all these plans I propose to build a dike causeway across the lower or the upper end of Jones Island (from Wright or Mud River) and carry our guns across to Venus Point. This is of course a dernier ressort. The alternative may be to take our flats into Savannah River without protection. Lieutenant ORorke and Major Beard are now out, with instructions to examine the upper end of Long Island and the lower end of Elba. To-morrow morning I shall go down Wright River to examine Jones Island at the lower end up to the beacon. I could not approach it from the upper end on account of a creek, as I stated last eve. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. G-ILLMORE, Captain and Chief Engineer. P. S.My command is now engaged in making fascines and gabions. (InoIo8ure No. 6.] DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S. C., Jan. 30, 18627.30 p. m. Brig. 0-en. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.: Sin: I have to report the safe return of Lieutenant ORorke (accom- panied by Major Beard) from an examination of Long Island and Elba Island. I inclose a memorandum furnished by Lieutenant ORork~ in advance of his report. The position near the upper end of Long Island is favorable for the erection of a battery ~should one there be deemed necessary or advisable. In my report of last evening I suggested the expediency of building a causeway to Venus Point (if a battery be put there), connecting with Mud or Wright River. .1 have caused the line running from Venus Point due north to Mud River to be examined to-day. A causeway can be easily constructed over that line. The line to Wright River will be examined to-morrow morning. Even if the Navy cover our erection of batteries on Venus Point, we want a line of communication with the rear other than by water through Mud or Wright Rivers, inasmuch as we might lose the control of the mouths of these streams in the absenc Page 329 CHAP. XXVLI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 329 of a naval force. This would certainly be easily taken from us as re- gards Mud River, as the enemys gunboats could sweep it without coming within range of Venus Point battery. Moreover, if any advance move- ment should meet with disaster, and we should be nuder the necessity of falling back with the Venus Point guns, it would be next to impos- sible to take them off via Mud or Wright Rivers through their mouths. The causeway can be constructed 9 feet wide in one week by hurrying the work. I am still of the opinion that Mud River cau be deepened very much by running a side-wheel steamer up and down the stream. The bottom is very soft and the tide very strong. The guns have not been put in position at Walls Cut. Captain Hamilton writes on this matter: The Unadilla and Pembina are both within the Cut, that is, this side of it, the for- mer having left her advanced position. Captain Hamiltons suggestion to tow the Keating down to the posi- tion occupied by Captain Rodgers, and put three or perhaps four guns in working order on her deck, I cordially indorse, provided Captain Rodgers will take charge of her in the absence of any towing facilities of our own. I shall return to Hilton Head to-morrow morning in the Mayflower. She will discharge here early in the morning, having just arrived from the Winfleld Scott. I shall set my force at work cutting stuff for the causeway to-morrow morning in anticipation of your approval of this project. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A GILLMORE, Brigadier- General and Chief Engineer. [Inclosure No. 7.] - Memorandum by Lieutenant ORorke. Left Daufuskie Island at 4.30 p m. on 29th; left Unadilla 15.30 p-rn After passing south end Jones Islafid steered due west and landed about 100 yards north of the beacon on Long Island; beacon is about one-half way from one end to the other. Found a soil of dry brown clay, with a substratum of black mold; surface of ground about 2~ feet above high water. Best ground and best position, as far as could be determined in the dark, about 100 yards south of the north point of island. Next rowed carefully up the river to Elba Island; had some difficulty in finding it in consequence of inaccuracy of map. Finally rowed up to north end of it, landing about six times and examining shore and adjacent ground. Found shore impracticable for landing without causewaying out; ground above the upper half of island. all a soft marsh, not practicable for batteries. Returned to a point just south of mouth of Mud River, arriving just before daylight. Hauled the boat ashore and crossed the island to the Georgia side; traveled about 1 mile north of the ])Oint at which we landed. Ground on Georgia side overflowed at high water for quite a distance. Tower at mouth of Saint Augustine Creek probably shot tower. Let the men sleep an hour; recrossed the Savannah, and arrived at 1 p m. of 30th. flnclosnre No. 8.] HDQRS. ExPEDITIoNARY CORPS, Feb. 4, 1862. General GILLMORE, Chif Engineer, Commanding: GENERAL: Yours is received. I am just from the Wabash. Cap Page 330 830 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. tam Rodgers has received orders to enter at once and cover the con- struction of the battery. Expedition No.2 will not get off before Thurs- day, Friday, or Saturday. Ill let you know in due time. In the mean time I shall be anxious to hear of the success in putting up the battery }n one night. It will do you eternal honor. If Captain Rodgers retains all his gunboats that he covers you with I shall probably not join you; but I shall see. Report promptly what use can be made of Long Island to best advantage. We shall get some hulks down there as soon as possible, bi4t probably not till after Expedition No. 2. In the mean while suggest to Rodgers and Viele to get the brig from the Cut down there in the channel between Long Island and Georgia shore. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier. General, Commanding. If you have any time before Rodgers gets ready (and it is hoped not) you had better commence causeway, if the enemy wont discover you too much. T. W. S. [Inclosure No. 9.] IIDQRS. CHIEF ENGINEERS OFFICE, S. C., Daufuskie Island, February 4, 1862.-.--8.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, 6~ommanding Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Read, S. C.: GENERAL: I have to report my arrival here last night at 10 oclock in a row-boat. The Mayflower was coaling at Seabrook and nearly through. We are looking for her here now. The examination of Jones Island from Venus Point to Wright River ~in the shortest line) develops the fact that the portion of Jones Island next Wright River, extending about one-quarter of a mile from the stream, is very low, soft, badly cut up with creeks and marshy spots, and is unsuitable for a canseway. No good landing place can be fouitd on Wright River without giving an undue length to the causeway. I therefore have made up my mind that if a road is to be constructed it must be directed upon Mud River. We are now ready to commence the work on the island. Ten thousand poles of 5 to 0 inches in diameter have been cut, of which 1 900 have been transported to the new dock or wharf, ready to go on board of lighters or to be made into rafts, as circumstances may require. About 1,800 of the cut poles can be carried to the shore daily, the men to do this themselves, as there are no other means of land transportion here at present that can be put upon such work. The average distance to be carried is about 1 mile. I await orders from you to go on with the causeway. The wharf here will be finished to-day. It has 8 feet water at low tide at the head of it, and is strong enough to land everything on except heavy guns. The gunboats have not returned from New River yet. I expect to pull up in that direction to-day. Captain Sears takes a party to Jones Island to-day to cut a wide zigzag swath through the reeds in a line running from Mud River across the narrow part of the island to the Savannah, in order that a fire communicated to the reeds at the upper end of the island shall not spread over the portion where the causeway is to be run. The enemy has seen us in Mud River, as reported by con- trabands captured yesterday, and may watch our operations closely. The temptation to lire the long grass could be easily gratified at an Page 331 CHAP. XXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 331 time, but would probably be carried into effect near the mouth of Mud River. Lieutenant ORorke will probably come to llil~on Head to-day for a few hours ou some private busiuess, and will report himself to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GJLLMORE, Brigadier- General, Chief Engineer, Engineer Corps. [Inclosure No. 10.] DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S. 0., February 6, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Engineer Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: There is very little news here to report. The gunboats have made no move forward, not having yet received orders to do so. Yesterday I went np to Red Bank in the Hale to examine the works there. They possess no special interest, and the sketch taken by Major Beard will perhaps furnish you with all necessary information. The work in the rear was intended for one columbiad, but it had not been put in position. The two guns in the other work had been removed. My orderly followed me up New River in a row-boat. As he approached I~oxs house a squad of 70 to 75 cavalry appeared on the beach and opened fire on the boat. They were all mounted and equipped. They remained about Boxs place until the gunboat approached on her return from Red Bank. They then left. The day before yesterday, as my men were cutting a swath across Jones Island to prevent the spread of fire 3 men were observed on the upper end of the island, one of them being up a tree looking around. They certainly mistrust something in that direction. The transporta- tion of the poles for causeway still goes on, but as nearly all the fatigue force of the command is on this work nothing has yet been done on Jones Island in the way of laying them. I have, however, constructed a plank walk across to Venus Point, over Which I can transport, by hand or in barrows, sand bags and .plaiik for the platforms. We want more force here if a battery is to be erected on Long Island during the con- struction of the one on Jones Island. The laying of the causeway will be commenced to-day. Would it not be proper to make the exchange of Captain Sears and Captain Places companies while the latter is iu waiting at Seabrook I I am retaining Captain Sears here until I hear from you. Captain Hamilton and myself have concluded that an equal division of the armament brought along should be made between Venus Point an(l Long Island, leaving out the brass 24-pounder howitzer altogether. General Viele approves this. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier-General and Chief Engineer, Engineer Corps. [Thclosure No. 11.] DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S. C., February 6, 1862. Bug. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commandinq Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have nothing new to report this p. m. It is so rough and windy that no great progress will be made to-day in tran~portin Page 332 332 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [CHAP. XXVI. road and battery materials to Venus Point. An examination of the upper end of Bird Island will be made to-night. It is directly opposite Venus Point, while the upper end of Long Island is somewhat below. I do not object to Long Island for a battery simply because it is lower = down the river than Venus Point,but am inclined to favor it on that account, as we can . keep boats attempting to pass through the river longer under fire than if the batteries were directly opposite each other. I have just returned from Venus Point.. I propose to put the guns there about 40 feet apart, with traverses between them. A longer develop- ment would unduly increase the labor of constructing the levee around the battery to keep out the water. The fatigue parties here will be mostly engaged in carrying over to Venus Point such portions of the battery material as will forward the construction of the work while the Navy are awaiting their orders. I prefer to apply the force in this way than to work exclusively ou the causeway, as it is not expected that the guns will be carried across Jones Island. I propose to place each gun on a grillage of poles 20 feet square. The weight per square foot will be less than 15 pounds. It will be advisable to inclose the battery, so that it can resist an assault, and after we get time each gun can be covered over to secure the men against the fragments of shells explod- ing over the battery. It will be necessary to inclose the battery with a l)arapet, at any rate, in order to keep out high tides, and it will be easy to convert this parapet intb an obstacle that will require some time to surmount. A rebel boat passed down Saint Augustine Creek and back to-day. The two towers near the mouth of Saint Augustine Creek are for the telegraph wires to pass over on, as I am informed by contrabands who worked upon them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier- General Volunteers and Chief Engineer. P. S..I.f the two engineer companies for Wassaw are to be retained long on the Star of the South had theyiiot better be sent up here (or at least one of them) to help in the work temporarily I [Inclosure No. 12.] CHIEF ENGINEERS OFFICE EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, Daufuskie Island, S. C., February 9, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN. Comdg. U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have to report no important change in the position of affairs here, so far as they relate to my department, since my communi- cation of day before yesterday. We are still in conditionas we have been for the last thirteen daysto erect and put in serviceable and effi- cient readiness for action batteries on Jones and Long Islands that will thoroughly blockade the Savannah River within twenty-four hours after the gunboats enter that stream. My efforts for the last three days have been directed to preparations for attaining this object without the assistance of the Navy, in case circumstances should arise todeprive us of their co-operation, bnt our limited means of transportation on this island have so far absorbed the available strength of the fatigue force in carrying poles for the Jones Island causeway that the actual laying of the road has not yet been commenced. I have a very good wheel- barrow track across the island to Venus Point. I have taken as muc Page 333 Ca& p. IXVI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.UNION. battery material there as I care to trust in so exposed a position until the road on which to transport the guns.is completed or the gunboats in Savannah River. I have also a very considerable quantity of ma- terials ashore at the landing at Mud River. The balance of what will be required f9r the Venus Point battery is in boats within half an hours row of the Mud River landing, so that I am prepared to complete the platforms and magazines of that battery within six hours after the gun- boats enter the Savannah. As this movement is certainly expected to take place very soon, perhaps within the next twenty-four hours, it is not presumed that the guns will be carried over the causeway. I am not therefore pushing it with that end in view, but shall carry it for- ward with as little delay as possible. What I expect to gain by land- ing battery materials on Jones Island now is time, for as soon as the lighters are left at Venus Point with the guns for that battery the Mayflower can proceed directly to Long Island with the materials re- quired for the work there. I think our row-boats on Mud River have been seen. Our gunboats (except one, I believe) passed the Cut yester- day. I am told that they intend to try the Mud River passage into the Savannah. The Mayflower hove in sight last evening, but still remains near the Winfleld Scott. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GJLLMORE, Brig. Gen. Vols., Chief Engineer Expeditionary Corps. [Inclosure No. 13.] DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S. C., Feb. 12, 1862. General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Comdg. Expeditionary Corps, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Venus Point and the Savannah passage is held by a six- gun battery erected by us last night. If everything goes on well Long Island will be similarly occupied to-morrow night. I will write to- morrow more in detail. 0 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brigadier-General and Chief Engineer. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TH~ SOUTH, No. 7. Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island, April 13, 1862. All persons of color lately held to involuntary service by enemiesof the United States in Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia, are hereby confiscated and declared free, in conformity with law, and shall hereafter receive the fruits of their own labor. Such of said per- sons of color as are able-bodied and may be required shall be employed in the quartermasters department at the rates heretofore established by Brig. Geti. T. W. Sherman. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLA., April 15, 1862. Brig. Gen. H. W. BENHAM, ~omdg. Northern District, Department of the South: I have the honor to report that (finding a constant communicatio Page 334 COASTS OF S. C., GA., AND MID. AND EAST FLA. [Onir. XXVI. 334 was kept up between the inhabitants of this city and the enemy and that the members of the city.government would not assist me in pre- venting it) I placed the city under martial laW on the 12th instant. The day after a re-enforcement of fonr companies of my regiment ar- rived. I should have replaced the city officials in power had not the feeling among the citizens been that they desired martial law to still remain. I am pleased to be able to report that no ill-feeling or difficulty has arisen between the citizens and the men of my command, and that not an instance of any insult or unpleasant feeling has taken place. I have prohibited any person passing the line of my command with- out taking the oath of allegiance. Fort Marion has now mounted two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, one 32-pounder gnu, four iron 6-pounder guns, one 1)rass 6-pounder gun, one 24-pounder siege howitzer, and a Wiard rifled gun. Lieutenant Tardy, U. S. Corps Engineers, has arrived at this post and taken charge of putting the fort in a state of defense. Lieutenant Tardy intends to mount two 8-inch columbiads on the fort. With the or(lnance stores I have drawn a requisition for I can defend the post against all the enemy now in arms in Florida. I have the honor to request instructions as to slaves belonging to disloyal men. T have retained such slaves, furnishing them with food and compelling them to work, and simply excluding other slaves from the fort. This city is in a most lamentable condition with respect to food. I have been compelled to issue Government provisions to families to prevent them from perishing from hunger. I have the honor to request instructions as to whether such issues will be permitted. Five deserters from the enemy have come in; no information of any importance has been got from them, except that one of the Saint Augustine companies wished to lay down their arms and surrender. I have used every effort to inform them that they might return here and remain unmolested. I take the liberty of suggesting again that the ordnance stores I have. drawn a requisition for are very necessary for the defense of my post. II have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, LOUIS BELL, Lieut. Cot., Comdg. Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, Commanding Post of Saint Augustine. 4 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SouT~ Hilton Head, S. C., April 17, 1862. Flag-Officer S. F. DUPONT, U. S. Yary, U. S. S. Wabash, Port Royal Harbor: SIR: I have the pleasure of saying in reply to your letter of this date that there will be no objection to withdrawing the one gunboat as you Iropose from Wass~iw. But as General Hunter and myself feel that it may be important to keep the enemy on the alert at Savannah, we would be glad if you would spare as many as you can conveniently of those least valuable for your other purposes, which boats might, without ex- posure to themselves, by constant movements, as if of reconnaissance, if so directed by yourself, keep the enemy either from any approaches toward us here or from diverting his troops to Charleston. The reconnaissance or the affair you heard of it seems was made by the order of Brigadier-General Gillmore to Wilmington Island by Lieu- tenant Wilson, Topographical Engineers, escorted by 400 men of Colonel Fentons Eighth Michigan. They lost 10 or 12 killed and 35 wounded Page 335 CHAP. X~IYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. ~35 as reported to me, and our men claim to have driven a regiment of 800 men to the extreme point of the island, holding the battle ground for three hours and returning unmolested. I am not satisfied yet to ex- press an opinion ou the matter. I have the houor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. ,BENIIAM, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DIsT., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., April 18, 1862. Brig. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Tybee and Fort Pulaski, Ga.: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge your report* inclosing the details of the reconnaissance made by Lieutenant Wilson, Topographical Engineers, under your orders on the [16th in- stant]. Although presuming you had reasons for ordering that reconnaissance which are not stated in your report or otherwise known to him, he feela it due to himself to say that, notwithstanding he had received informa- tion that the enemy were in force tq the amount of at least two regi- ments on that island, he did not deem it necessary to attack them then beyond our marshes and next their main-land. He had therefore, as you recollect, on the day after the surrender of Fort Pulaski, directed you yourself to send the Eighth Michigan Regiment to Fort Pulaski to assist, with a company each of engineers and artillery, in putting that work in a state of defense as early as possible and to dismantle and destroy all the batteries on Tybee Island, and to forward all the ordnance and ordnance stores to this post that you did not deem it nec- essary to retain at Fort Pulaski for its complete armament. He also directed that the Forty-sixth New York Regiment alone should be left garrison Tybee Island and that the other troops should be sent to to Daufaskie to report to General Viele, and the balance of the forces then ordered to this post to report to Col. Robert Williams. In conclusion, the general desires to say that while not doubting that this reconnaissance has been ordered from your best motives and judg- ment, and that he is not disposed to do otherwise than praise it, he still is compelled to feel that, as far as at present informed, the results that appear to have been anticipated or actually gathered from it, either from information gained or the known injury to the enemy, are not a com- pensation for the great loss to ourselves which has been suffered in this affair. It is trusted, however, that your detailed report will enable the matter to be better und-erstood. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. ELY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.. IIDQRS. EDISTO ISLAND, S. C., April 21, i862~. Capt. A. B. ELY, A. A. A. U., Hdqrs. Northern Dist., Hilton Head, 5. 0.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that after a tedious and pro- tracted passage