Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-11-21

/ SiCapCi VI 1859 AiS h"'S w w INV
from the batteries on Bay Point at the
same time. Our original plan of the
cooperation of the land forces in this
attack, had to be set aside in coDse-
quence of the loss during the voyage
of greater portion Of our means of
sembarkment, together with the fact
that the only point where the troops
should have landed, was from FIVE to six
miles, measuring around the intervening
shoal from the anchoring place of our
transports, altogether too great a dis
tance for successful debarkation with
our limited means 1t was therefore
agreed that the place should be re-
duced by naval force alone Tn conse-
quence of the shattered condition of the
feet, and the delay in the arrival of
vessels that were indispensable for the
attack, it had to be postponed until the
7th inst
I was a mere spectator of the combat,
and it is not my province to enter any
report of this action, but deem it my
imperative duty to say that the firing
and manoeuvering Of our war feet a.
gainst that of the rebels and their for
midable shore batteries was a master
piece of activity and professional skill
that must have ELECTED the applause of
the rebels themselves as a tactical opc-
ration
think that too much praise cannot
be awarded to the science and skill ex-
hibitcd by the flag officer of the naval
squadron and the officers connected with
his ships.
I deem tho performance q mastery
one, and ought to have been seen to be
fully appreciated.
After the works were reduced I took
possession of them with the land forces.
The beautifully constructed work on
Hilton Head was severely crippled, and
many of the guns dismounted. Much
slaughter had evidently been made there,
many bodies having been buried in the
fort, and come twenty or thirty were
found some half mile distant.
The Island for many miles was found
strewed with arms and accoutrements
and baggage of the rebels, which they
threw away in their hasty retreat. We
have also come into possession of about
forty pieces Of ordnance, most of which
is of the heaviest calibre and the most
approved models, and large quantity
of ammunition and camp equippage.
1t is my duty to report the valuable
services OF Mr.. Pontello, assistant in
the coast survey, assisting me with his
accurate and extensive knowledge of this
country His services are invaluable to
the army as we'll as to the navy
[Signed I. W. SHERMAN,
Brig. Gen'l commanding.
After landing and taking possession
Of the forts, Gen. Sherman issued the
following proclamation
To the People Of South Carolina
In obedience to the orders of the Pre-
sident of the United States of America,
l have landed on your shores with a
snail force Of national troops. The die
tates of duty which, under these cir
cumstances, l owe TO great sovereign
atate and to fond and hospitable peo-
pie, among whom l have passed some
of the pleasantest days of my life
prompt me to proclaim that we have
come amongst you with no feelings of
animosity desire to harm
your citizens, destroy your property or
with any of your lawful rights
or your social and local institutions be-
yond what the causes herein briefly al
luded to may render unavoidable.
Citizens of South Carolina, the civil
zed world stand appalled, at the course
pou are pursuing-appalled at the crime
Tou are committing against your own
mother, the best. the most enlightened,
md heretofore the most prosperous Of
,ations. You are in a state OF active
ebellion against the laws of your coun-
ry; you have lawlessly seized upon the
orts, arsenals and other property be-
onging to our common country and
Tithin your borders, and with this prop
rty you are waging ruthless war a.
ainst your constitution government, and
hus threatening the existence of gov
rnment which you are bound by the
erms of solemn compact to live under
nd faithfully support.
In doing this, you are not only under ,
mining and preparing the way for to- 9
ally ignoring your own political and So
snn II saka hat Al.