The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-06
OUR NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
THE SOUTH CAROLINA EXPEDITION.

| OUR ARMxscoRRnsPoNDENcE.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA EXPEDITION
Letter from Col. William H. MOBILES
Position of his Regiment Taking of the Fort
| Landing of Troops-The Negroes Home
of the Planters, DO. &c. )tAL
To the Editor of the Pioneer and Democrat.
ST. HELENA ISLAND, s. c..
November l6, 1861.
The headquarters of the 10th Regimen
New York Highlanders are at Bay PoiD,
on the neighboring st. Philips Island. A
few days ago made an advance movement
with three companies and took possession
here. We are now about ten miles from
the main body of our regiment. Yesterday
l brought our Chaplain here, who was
much delighted with the trip, as we sailed
along an arm of the sea, which though
narrow, has sufficient depth of water tc
float the largest ship in our feet.
By this time you have doubtless received
intelligence of the successful bombardment
by our war vessels of the rebel forts on Bay
Point and Hilton Head. The shells were
hurled into the enemy's quarters like hail
storm of iron, and when we consider how
thickly and necessarily they fell, it is a
wonder that the rebels held out as long as
they did.
The engagement commenced at halfpast
nine o'clock, A. NJ. on the 9TH instant, by
our vessels forming the line of battle, and
the firing ceased about three, P. NJ, making
five hours and half duration. AS soon
as the announcement was made on the
transport ships that the flag of our Union
was floating in triumph upon the ramparts
of the enemy, our land troops, who had
been anxious spectators of the stirring
scenes of the battle, waved their caps and
made the welkin ring with their loud huz.
Zas.
On the day following, the landing of
troops by the surf-boats was accomplished
with entire success. The weather has been
exceedingly favorable and pleasant ever
since the morning when the battle began
and then there was bright sun, calm at
mosphere and smooth sea.
We find that the rebels must have fled
with great precipitation, for they have
abandoned upwards of fifty pieces of heavy
ordnance, large amount of ammunition
and stores, including bacon, -four, rice, su-
gar, crackers, tents by the hundred, blan-
kets. camp equipage, &c.
Our loss was very small, being eight
killed and thirty.two wounded, making al
together forty. That of the enemy cannot
be fully stated, as they always take pains
to conceal it. But l have heard of 100
dead bodies having been found in and
around the notifications.
On the side of the river where COM
mand, including Bay Point and ST. Helena
Island, we are well supplied with subsist-
ence. Cattle, sheep, poultry, oysters, fish,
sweet potatoes, oranges, &C., are abundant.
A letter has been found among multtudes
of others, which proves that the rebels
made use of negroes principally in con-
structing their fertilization. This fact
makes them contreb band according to the
rules of war. Upwards of forty negro
men have focked to our quarters, and seem
to repose confidence in US. Their language
is, Massa told US, when Yankee come,
him kill poor nigga, OR carry off to Cuba.
But me no believe Massa, and now find out
Nigga like Yankee, case nigga now git more
meat in one day, den nigga get from Massa
in year"
The Companies on this island are quar-
tered on the premises of Dr. w. l. jerks
ins, who with all his white neighbors left
as soon as our troops took the forts. His
mansion is large and splendid building,
with twenty>six negro cabins in sight. The
furniture is of the best material and latest
style, and includes sofas, ottomans, Brussels
carpet, Billiard table, &c. A flower gar
den with abundance of flowers still bloom
ing and green house we'll furnished, is i'm.
mediately in front of the mansion, and is
arranged with much skill and taste, all in
dicating the luxurious living of Southern
Planters. The negroes are still here in
scores, male and female, young ana old
and they seem the picture of happiness.
They are we'll behaved, and 1 am satisfied
possess higher degree OF morality than
the mass of free blacks at the North.
Hoping and trusting that the great re-
bellion may soon be put down, and that
honorable peace may be restored to onr
afflicted country, for the integrity of whose
government we have taken up arms,
Isubscribe myself, respectfully yours,
WIN. II. MOBILES,
Lieutenant-C olonel commanding 10th Regi-
ment, New York Highlanders.
The understanding arrived at between