The national Republican., 1861-12-04
PORT ROYAL.

PORT ROYAL. ... 81.
The New York Evening Post gives the fol.
lowing Intelligence, brought by the transport
Nc lellsn:
HILTON HEAD.
Contrary to the general received opinion,
no new fortifcntions have been made by our
troops In the vicinity Of Fort Walker or at Bay
Point, but the defences which were already
built have been strengthened. 1t is understood
that on the side Of the island towards the main.
land defences are erecting.
The entire force of General Shermsn's ex-
petition. with the exception of less than on e
thousand men, are on Hilton's Head, and is in
good condition. The large amount Of provi.
s0ns Of various kinds found there Is not yet
exhausted. Cattle, sheep. turkeys, chickens,
are very plenty some Of them obtained by
foraging parties, which proceed to the islsnds
In the vicinity, and In some cases. 1t Is said, to
the mainland. There Is and will be, for q long
time, no scarcity Of fresh meat from the sources
| near the present encampment of our troops
BEAUFORT TO BE OCCUPIED.
There is no longer any constant guard OF
vessels at Beaufort; and ii is left almost exclu
,ivey 10 the possession of ibe negroes, Of whom
there are many. There is, however, one white
msu-not the original inebriated indiv dual
secessionist, who remains 10 the town nights,
and on those days when the United States
o. ces are not seen, but on the appearance OF
danger, be instantly retres. He Is supposed
to be spy.
IL was understood when the Mcclellan sailed,
that Beaufort would be occupied, probably the
mex. day, by a force OF about five thousand
men, which could be easily spared even in sd-
dition 10 the five thousand which would accom-
pauy the expedition The purpose OF the occu-
| pan y was to prevent the secessionists from
taking possession, aud also to retain the con-
siderable amount OF property which yet remains
| th.Te. The secessiu nists have come there in
the night in few cases, aud taken away prop
erty a; but it is understood that no large bodies
# their troops are in the immediate vicinity.
THIS CoNTRABASDs.
The contrabands" occupy Beaufort, Hill
toms Head Island, and the contiguous islands
in considerable numbers Those who have
| already separated from their masters, and are
only under their own control, are estimated at
five hundred to thousand. These are within
Easy reach of our forces. Those at al d around
Beaufort are by some estimated at nearly the
figures given. A few Of the latter are supposed
TO be looking after the property OF their mas
ters. But Of the great majority 1t is known
hat they would bs very glad TO enter our
lines for the purpose generally Of obtaining
employment. The men Of the steamer McClel.
Ian, when they were at Beaufort, could have
brought away full load Of them had they been
authorized 70 do so. The "contraba bands -
crowded around them, begging to be allowed
the privilege of getting on board. Quite a
number assisted in loading the lumber, for
which they asked and received no pay, and
worked, the men say, like good fellows."--
Thirteen Of them were finally taken to Hilton
| Head.
The story which has been extensively pub,
lished that the negroes refuse to work is EN-.
phatically con,radicted. They have never had
the opportunity. About two hundred and fifty
are on and around Hilton Head. and labor
when they have an opportunity. They even
take boats, going around to the shipping, car
rying men, bags and bundles-in faSE taking
eny freight which Is given them.