Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-12-13

A SoNG OF DFLIvERANcE.-A Port Roy
al correspondent of the New York Express
gives an interesting account Of an exploring
expedition sent out by Gen. Sherman to get
soundings of the creeks between Hilton
Island and the mainland, and make a general
reconnaissance. After reaching the upper
end of the island a party embarked in boats
rowed by negroes, who were eager to accom-
pany the reconnaissance in the capacity Of
oarsmen. and showed the greatest confidence
in the ability and certainty of the Yankees to
overcome any rebel force. They proceeded
Immediately to the mainland, about a mile
distant the rebel scouts taking flight upon a
discharge Of musketry by the party. After a
brief visit to one or two of the deserted man
sions, the soundings were prosecuted till near
nightfall, the rebels in the meantime setting
fire to several cotton. storehouses, lest our
men should get possession of the cotton. On
the return Of the expedition to the island, the
negro oarsmen could not refrain from giving
vent to their joy at being delivered from
bondage, and broke out into song. The incl
dents of the passage are thus graphically de-
scribed
"As we sailed on toward Spanish Wells, the place
on Hilton Island from which to return to our
rendezvous Of the night before, 1t nearly the dusk
Of evening May river aud Mckay creek we're both
placid, and the gleam Of burning cuton-houses fell
across their silent waters All up and down the stream
no sign Of life perceptble, where month ago
small boats and craft constantly plying
paEters house the shore occupied no planter.
boat put out into the water; the negro quarters H.
Illuminated by the glare Of the conhAgfaiions and the
long lines OF their squad hus looked In the cleaning
like tents Illuminated by camp-hres. The black
men chuokled with infinite glee At the evidence Of South
ern fear They finally broke out into singing ihey
rowed and in their strangely pantive minor strains
pressed a satisfaction that to unaeeusiomed was
uuaint enough IN utierance. The uttcrance not
however altogether unoouth Though the jatgon Al
first seemed 50 utterly inoomprehensble that thought
il vain to listen for the separate sylables, after while
coherency was evident and the blacks themselves said
they were singing spiritual hymns the word joy was
frequently repeated In the peculiar refrain. And so
these hgitives escaped from bondage served the
querors OF their masters, along the waters hey
had 50 often crossed when slaves, and sang songs fall
significant yet pAintye exultation, the words JOY
fll though the notes std (for slaves had never
learned To sing In other aud Triumphant keys,) The
scene was melancholy. The des0laiion Of wal
brought home terribly 10 South Carolina, which ha
provoked the On her own shores, her own som
had destroyed her proud storehOuses whose contents
were 10 rule the world on her waters the Yankee
rode triumphant, borne by those fugitive slaves who's
featy they had tauntingy assured secure
slavery, which might have remained undistuTbed has
South Carolina remained loyal, was without any act o
the legitimate government alArminRly shaken not IL
revooably overturned Those plantye Union notes SUM
by the children Of bondage were the death knel Of tn
rebellion"