The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-20
OUR PORT ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE.

OUR PORT ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE.
PoRr ROYAL, s. c., Dec. 0, 1861
7Ae Erredaionary c0rps--1roops for Tyeee 1and-Yhe
Comfort Oft Soldiers Looked AfterThe Publications
The Lslaad-The Occupation IF Beayort-Aaaek The
Usfon Pickets-A Glance at Beaufort by 1too,liga-A
Observation-Disclosures Of Re6e, Bote'esCoon Pck-
inq-The Contrdboads--The Stone Fieet-Ahtary Moe
nse,,is, DC.
The events OF tho past three four days have de
veloped the fact that really have expedtonary
corps this department We have been SO quiet since
arrival and have allowed much valuable time 10
be wasted in supinely waiting for something other
that specuations again became rife as to tho real
meaning OF the mysterious and suggestive " e. c.
that heads official papers in this department Every
had hts explanation of the abreviaon doing more
less injustice TO the commanding general but has
been settled forever that it does expedition
sry corps, and trust that all calpng may u-
lure.
The corps is developing itself II has assumed mag
niude in its field Of operations that shows that have
- General who comprehend the details of campaign
all its proportions. Certainly in occupying strategic
points General Sherman evinces mean skill.
But to the detail of the events occurring since
my last, by the City OF New York. On Friday
pursuant to orders, tho Forty regiment New
York Volunteers, Colonel Rosa, embarked upon the
the steamer Cahawba, Captain Barker, and proceeded
10 Tybee Island at the mouth of the Savannah river
when they speedily and safely dscmbarked by the
energetic and gallant captain, and Immediately took up
strong position tho island Tybee had been in the
possession Of the navy, and held by Captain Msroon,
commanding the bockadng force OF Savannah for some
time before IT determined to throw force from the
army upon it.
On Friday the possession OF the island formally
delivered over to Colonel Rosa and military salute fred
by Commander John Rogers, Of the Flag. There n
number Of and comfortable barracks upon the
island, but scarcely enough accommodate regiment
The Germans have made themselves perfectly al home
and are beautifying and adjoining their quarters in
style that mono but Germans pretend to. Their songs
pealed out cheerfuly and loud the green
palmetto the still grecner live oak beneath the
Northern PINE and at times their refrans be
10 the Of those who watch on the walls OF old
Pulaski. The only notice that the rebels have taken OF
Our presence few Intellectual discharges OF heavy
guns at the troops when they landed. No notice was
taken by Us of the cannonade We propose hold Tybee
Island against all corners, and perhaps may try our
hand on Fort Pulaski of these days. Twenty or
thirty heavy mortars, in proper position would
breach the walls destroy the the works the
fort and you need not be surprised learn that the
work has been completed before Christmas. Another
week will reveal more
Beaufort occupied on Friday. The Tictieth Penn
sylvania Volunteers General Stevens brigade landed
In the town during the afternoon; pickets thrown
out and the island formally occupied General Stevens
and staff accompanied the first regiment, and settled
quietly down in splendid mansion the upper end Of
the main street. which they have selected heaquar
ters. 1t was the late residence 81 Rev. Mr. Smith n
clergyman Of Beaufort who lived very elegant style
surrounded by every comfort and luxury could de
sire
The pickets which had been thrown out on the Shell
fla mai only in he had heop
stationed in their position but few moments before
body Of rebel cavalry numbering twenty thirty men,
upon them unexpectedly to both sides Tho rebels
discharged their revoyers and hit of the
neck, inicng painful but not dangerous wound. The
fire returned, but, as it dark, with what
OBJECT could not then be ascertained We have since
learned that one OF the rebels mortay wounded
fell of his horse about half mile the scene Of The
affair, and his body found by the negroes the follow.
ing morning Two horses were Killed and ht upon the
road. After this our pickets disturbed. On
Saturday the entire brigade Of General stevens were
landed AT Beaufort and light battery, in charge OF
Lieut.. Ransom, Of Hamiltons battery. The were
Obliged TO bivouac in the streets in the open air.
night, General stevens had expressly forbidden tho
officers allowing soldiers to quarter in houses. Their
quarters were very airy, and not so comfortable
might be- However, all this will be obviated in a day
when they Will get their tents up and again enjoy camp
life. The positions occupied at Beaufort are much
healthier and more desirable IN every point of view than
noe,s az ara dsode%v a and hosn q .e ser
cessy Of occupying them may have passed away before
~ weather comes again Even at the present time,
probably the most healthy season OF the year, good
deal OF sickness prevails among the soldiers and with
The spring and summer months must those terrible
levers that decmae troops and I'll grveyasds with the
dead
On Saturday evening sroled for several hours about
The vilageof Beaufort TIE night clear and the
air as balmy and genial June evening in New
York. The streets OF the village silent aud
hut dimy lighted by the soft rays of the moon which
struggled through the thick foliage of the noble
line the streets either side cleaned chceruIly
upon the white houses that stood back from the road
Though the hour early, IL with difficulty that
The stroller could shake off tho impression that the night
was far gone and sleep had envccped all the
OF the beautiful village in its dreamy folds The silence
0! death was over the deserted streets No cheerful
light shone out the windows Of the elegant private resi-
dences that stood In solitary sateness each by
ttself-reserved and excusve-to show the passcr by
that there was life within, but all was dark and forbddng
The blinds were closed the doors locked and the houses
Dramatically sealed to light air Here aud there VIC
came upon house with its door gaping vide but ali
dark within Then sign. denotng that store hotel
or market was once kept there attracted us but all was
empty and deserted within. So il was throughout an
evenings walk Nothing but pictures Of desolation met
the eye on every hand awakening feelings of nged
thoughts and weird lances.
The bark OF some cur, left by his master,
or the song OF the tired soldier, was a posi-.
i've reef, and we were not sorry TO escape the
spellbouud streets and again come forth 10 the
bFouac FIRE and the Immediate presence OF man | saw
ihe deserted village Of Hampton after its uncaed for
evacuation by troops, and again when the deyas.
Eating contagraon had reduced 1t TO ruins placed
The seal OF perfect desoaton upon its foundations but
did not give rise TO those deep emotions of and
regret that view of Beaufort produce in soul
Of every one who first beholds IL. But the awakene
consciousness that this the home of the con
spira,ors who inaugurated this rebellion changes
the whole tone Of ones feelings. deep satisfaction
takes the place OF regret and feel grateful that rctr
buve justice has early and correctly welded it's
blade striking at the very homes of the base traitors
md driving hou from their hearthstones 10 wander
homeless through the land. Little sympathy do they
serve, and but precious little do they get Now may be
permitted TO upon the desolate walls Of Charleston
sho SHAH be ready 10 depart for civilization again.
general stevens made reconnaissance yesterday.
WIN regiment Of infantry and section OF laintcns
battery over tho island OF Port Royal An early start
Sas mad and the force pashed out by the main
folt Royal Terry. No traces of the enemy dis
covered Inti The force had reached the immediate neigh
porbood OF the ferry where rebel picket Of hundred
zneh or mere were come upon; hut thoy rer, stCd
haty on horseback that opportunity afforded OF
ewing them q shot. Pursuit made. however
AZ rapidly as possble but the rebels il reach
us me ordge AZ the ferry In time IN safety nd
49, or troops came M that structure was envclo
20 ,Rtnes, and seon totally destroyed The General did
no nSsn worth The while 10 open with artillery FRO
s.on n4o IeLee, who appeared 10 siA,aI deacAneps
"ocn scserea upon the other eide at the objects az