Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1862-01-02
TUESDAY NIGHT, Dec. "a, 1861.

ASS' S1J AooA'
Dear Enquirer We write to you un-
der feelings of deeper sadness to night,
than we ever did before All the news we
have to convey, is affecting. That "troub.
les never come gle.handed is mourufally
illustrated by the sad occurrences Of the
last few days.
Friday last, the anniversary of our Sc.
cessiou, was sigualized by disaster to our
arms, in an engagement of one hour and
ten minutes, near Drainsvills. To give
you detailed idea, the neighborhood Of
Drainsville is we'll supplied with au abun
dance of hay, to secure which was de-
sideratum both to US and the enemy. Gen.
Stuart, having discovered hostile regiment
aud park of artillery at or near Drainsville,
sent back for some forces on Thursday even.
ing, to cut off the Hessians and obtain the
hay Early Friday morning, train Of 1875
wagons, supported by the 18th Va, Col.
Garland, 10th Alabama, Col. --, 9th
South Carolina, under Lieut.. COL Secrest,
lst Kentucky, Col. Tom. Taylor, and fOur
pieces of the Sumter (Ga y Artillery, Capt.
Cults, moved forward about dawn from
Censreville, to join Gen. Stuart and por-
ton of Coils. Ransom and Radford's caval.
ry. The whole, numbering some $500,
thee proceeded towards Drainsville. A.
bout two miles this side of that place, the
road passes into very dense forest Of small
pines, which extends on both sides of the
road for perhaps more than mile. The
enemy, who must have gotten wind of Gen.
Stuart's intentions, and been strongly rein.
forced, we're advantageously posted in large
numbers on the opposite skirt of this tan
gled thicket, 10 an old road which had been
cut into the ground, and behind stoue-
fence which together protected very we'll as
high as the breast.
Just before reaching the exit from the
pines towards Drainsville, an aid to Gen.
Stuart galloped back, and informed him
that they we're upon the enemy; although
a Union traitor who had been met that
morning, told him that they were nowhere
to be seen. The 18th Virginia and 10th
Alabama at once filed to the right of the
road, and the 9Th South Carolina and LIST
Kentucky to the left and we're forming as
we'll as the ground would permit, line Of
battle. At this juncture, and when they
were within some hundred yards of the foe,
the left wing of the lst Kentucky who had
turned to the left in rear of Col. Seorest'a
command, aud who had been instructed to
fire upon the first men they saw, poured a
volley into the South Carolinians. The
enemy at once from behind their "stone-
wall" opened deadly fire upon them in
front. This unexpected and appalling cross.
fire for moment caused the line to stagger
but most of the men rallied, and during
the stormy hour which ensued, "fred lying"
exhibiting in many instances, the greatest
bravery, coolncss, and dexterity. The
Kentuckiaus having discovered their NOR.
tifying mistake, took position to the left Of
Col. Seorest, and fought with energy and
effect.
The llth Virgiuis is said to have charged
the euemy's left wing, and driven them
back to within sight of Drainsville. The
Artillery, owing to the density of the pines
was forced to move along the road to where
they could find suitable position. Capt