Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1862-06-05


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The Enemy on Waccamaw River.
We conversed, Monday evening, with
a gentleman of this city, who gives US the
following account of recent transactions OF
the enemy on Waccamaw River, as detail
ed in private letter frcm member OF
Hon. J. lizard Middleton's family, written
from Kiagstree, S. c., on Sunday last:
On Wednesday night last, Mr.. Lemuel
W. Daggett, Superintendent of Hon. John
lizard Middleton's rice mill, (long and IA
vorably known as Crowfeld,) some eight
or ten miles above Georgetown, on Wacca-
nav River, obtained information that the
enemy had reached Cat Island. Desirous
of satisfying himself positively as to the
truth of the matter, without creating false
alarm, Mr.. D. quietly saddled his horse
and started towards Georgetown, riding all
night, returning at day-dawn next morn
ing. Having satisfied himself that the
enemy was advancing in his gun-boat, Mr.
D. fastened to the residence Of Middleton's
family, on the plantation, the ladies of the
family only being at bome,, and informed
them of the approach ofthe enemy.
But little time was given for preparation,
and the family were compelled to leave,
after hasty toilet, some on foot and three
in Mr.. DIS buggy, made ready to con-
vey them to the nearest landing, some
three or four miles distant. On reaching
there they were placed in small open
boat and taken across the river. Previous
to their venture, however, some cavalry
officers tried to dissuade the party from the
attempt to cross, stating that the gun-boats
were already at Mill Wharf, about half a
mile below the spot they were about to
cross. Mr.. Daggett thought, however, a
bold, vigorous movement would place the
ladies in safety, and obtaining their con-
sent, Immediately ferried them safely across
the Waccamaw River to Mr.. Middleton's
"Rice Hope Plantation" from which they
took their departure for Kingstree, assisted
by the overseer, Mr.. Oliver.
All the negroes belonging to the planta
ton, with the exception of four, were safe
ly brought away by Mr.. Daggett and Mr.
Oliver, the overseer The latter were en-
ticed off by the enemy. One of them, il
is reported, afterwards made his escape
Before leaving for Kingstree, the ladies'
observed the mill wrapped in flames
Whether fred by the superintendent, Mr.
Dagget, agreeably to their request, or b,
order of the military authorities on tina
post is not known.
Mr. Dagget afterwards visited the planta
ton with the overseer, Mr.. Oliver Th'
enemy up to that time had stolen two hun
dred tierces of rice, as much as their boa
could carry, and taken it away, saying the!
would call for the remaining two hundred
tierces the next day. They also attemptes
to tow off fat containing FIVE thousant
bushels of rough rice, but which filled will
water, whereupon they cast it of, and |
sunk
Prior to their departure, they commen
ced shelling the plantation, although the,
had not met with any resistance in thei
depredations.
The only injury sustained, however, wa
the killing of mule quite'y grazing nea
the mill. A ball came in close proximit.
to a negro woman, W which did no other in
jury than to 60 through her clothing, max
ing several rents in her dress.
They also seized number of package
from an old negro, (whom they tried t
induce to 60 with them, but who streuu
ously refused, y which the latter informe
them belonged to the negroes of the plants
ton, and contained their little stores. The
refused to believe him, tore open the pack
ages and scattered the contents on the land
ing. These outrages were committed with
out excuse, there being not white perso
upon the place at the time to resist the IL
7aders.
1t was reported that the enemy had COZ
tinued his course up to Black River 0
Saturday.
1t is said they have committed nun
Der of depredations below Mr.. Middleton
on Waccamaw, and had stolen six negro'
belonging to Mr.. Charles Aston.
The efforts of Mr.. Daggett in securln
the escape of Mr.. Middleton's family an
the saving of his negroes, are deservln
of the highest commendation, as MIR. NJ.
family say that their safety is wholly Owl
ing to his perseverance, and untiring enc
gy. We understand that Mr.. D. sustalne
loss of everything belonging to him, say
what he had on.
At the time of the visit of the enem,
Mr.. Middleton was not at home, but
King2tree, and the whole responsibility
the measures necessary to be taken at th
critical moment devolved upon Mr.. Da
gett.
The behavior of tie negroes under tt
trying circumstances was remarkably goo
and highly creditable to their owner, th'
having cheerfuily left their homes at m
ment's notice, without murmur.
The fine mill is now heap Of ruins, t
gether with the buildings connected WI
it. With the mill Was destroyed five thor
and bushels rough rice.
II ia reported that thew are committil