The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-22
Zinc crea, E,pedl,,on-omelal Report.

The Official dispatches Of Commodore Du-
pcnt and Of Gen. Sherman are published
giving the details Of the expedition and the
battle Of Port POyal. The main facts, how.
ever, are given in the unofficial reports which
we published last week. We therefore pub
lish only the report Of Brig. Gen. Sherman,
and his proclamation to the people of South
Carolina after landing and taking possession
Of the forts. The following Is the report Of
General Sherman:
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITION CoRrs,
PoRr RorAL. 5. e. Nov. 8, 1851.
To The Adisiaat- General cfthe United States
Army al Washington
Sir III have the honor to report that the
force under my command embarked at An
napolis, Md. and at Hampton Roads, Va.
on the I'D ult. In consequence OF the delay
in the arrival Of some Of our tnsnsports and
the uniayonble state of the weather, the
fleet was unable 10 set out Tor the Southern
coast until the Goth, when. under convoy OF
hbfaA oIttdNOu III NOuAA&HN Va NOihhoaOAO
Dupont. we sailed.
After the most mature considerations OF
the object Of the expedition by that Dag Of
fcer and myself, 1t was agreed TO reduce any
works that might be found at Port Royal,
5. U. and thus open the finest harbor that
exists on the coast, south OF Hattenis.
Ii was calculated to reach Port Royal in
FIVE DAYS at most, But in consequence oil
adverse winds an q perilous storm ON the
day and night OF Nov. LIST. the fleet did not
arrive ut Port Royal bar until the 4th and
then but in part, for il had been almost en-
tirely dispersed by the gale, and the vessels
have been struggling in up to this date.
The transport steamers Union, Belyidere,
Osceola and Peerless have not arrived. Two
Of them are known TO be lost, and il is prob
able that all are. IL Is gratifying, however,
to say that none Of the troops transports con-
nected with the land forces were lost, though
the Winfield Scott had to sacrifice her whole
cargo, and tho Roanoke a portion OF her car
90, to save the lives of the men on board
The former will be unable to again put to
sea. The vessels connected with the naval
portion of the heet, have also suffered much +,
and some have been lost.
After careful reconnaissance ofPort Poyal
Bay, il was ascertained that the rebels had
three field works of remarkable strength,
strongly garisOned, and covered by fleet OF
three gunbOats under command OF Capt.
Tatnall, late of the U. ). Navy. Besides
these. there was a large land force whica the
rebelswere concentrating from Charleston and
Savannah. The troops Of the rebels were after
l.. b.. nfl.,l hv l.af,
dayton. One Of the iOrts, and probably
the strongest, was situated ON llilton's Head,
and the other two on Philips Island. twas
deemed proper to first reduce the one on
Hilton Head, although to do this greater or
less fire might have to be met from the bat
teries on Bay Pnint. At the same time an
original plan OF corporation OF the land force
in this attack has to be st aside in sonse-
quence Of the loss, during the voyage, OF u
greater portion of our means of disembark-
ment. together with the fact that the only
place the troops could have landed, was from
i've to six miles from the anchoraSe OF the
transports, altogether too great u distance tor
successful debarkatiOn with our limited
means. IL WIS therefore agreed that the
place should BE- reduced by the naval force
alone.
In consequence Of the shattered condition
Of the feet, and delay in hoarrival ofyessels
that were indispensable for the attack, 1t had
to b. postponed until the 9Th.
was mere spectator OF the combat, and
il is not my province to render any report of
this action. deem il, however, an impera-
tive duty to say that the firing and manevver-
inc of our fleet against that OF the rebels and
their formidable land batteries was a master
ly piece of activity and professional skill that
must have elected the applause OF the rebels
themselves rs tactical operation. 1 think
that two much praise cannot be awarded to
the ilis officer Of the naval squadron aud the
officers connected with his ships / deem the
performance mastery one, and ought to
have been seen to be fully appreciated.
After the works were reduced, took pos
session 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 some twenty or thir'
~ more we're found half mile distant.
The island for many miles was strcwn with
army requirements and baggage ct the rebels,
which they threw away in their hasty re
tr,at. We have also come into possession Of
about forty pieces Of ordnance. most OF which
are Of the heaviest calibre and mOst approved
modes, and large quantity Of ammunition
and camp equipage.
Ia is my daty to report the valuable services
Of Mr.. Boutellc. of the Coast Survey. With
his accurate and extensive knowledge of this
country, his services are invaluable to the
army as well Us the navy, and earnestly
recommend that important notice be taken
of this very able and scientific officer by the
War Department.
l am respectfully your Obcdient servant,
T. W. SHERMAN,
Brigadier-Genenl Commanding.