Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-01-23
Letter From Beaufort.

to myself, hasten to improve them By writ
ing to you from this point. will pass over
many things of interest that occurred at Hilton
Head, during our stay there, presuming that
all are by this time well posted with matters
there, / will confne myself to things of a
more recent date
We landed here on the night of the 9th
inst, about IL o'clock Having Immediately
stationed our pickets, we retired to rest, tax
ing the street for quarters, and the pavement
for beds, which is good enough. '"Who
would not be a soldier ~ But we were not
permitted TO remain long even there, intelli-
gence having reached the ears of the Brigade
Commander, that our outer pickets were at
tackled by party of mounted Rebels. We
were soon aroused from our peaceful slumber,
and instantly on double quick march to their
assistance On arriving there, we were inform
cd that they bad retreated, mot liking the warm
reception rendered them by our faithful Senti-
nels IL appears that our men commanded
thenito halt, but they, falling to obey, were
Instantly fred upon, wounding Captain BARN
WELL, who, having been carried to their
encampment, we learn died soon after
Next day we pursued them to Port Royal
Ferry distance of Is miles On our arrival
we were disappointed. finding that they had
escaped to their encampment visible on the
other side. Being unable to pursue them far
ther on account of their having taken all the
boats to their shore, a portion, of men
were detailed to guard the Ferry. 1t being so
ordered, the remainder returned to the Camp
near the village where we still remain. / need
not tell you that when we got back we were
all tired, having travelled quite thirty miles
without much rest, however, the boys stood it
first rate They think nothing of such a march,
being accustomed to walking
One week ago asst Wednesday our regiment
was ordered ont to relieve those first station,
ed at the Ferry, on picket, where we remain
ed until last evening, having been relieved by
the 10th n. Y. V. We returned to our
Camp and you may be assured that it is quite
q treat to be permitted to sleep under our can
vas covering once more. Having had to sleep
ou. in the open air while on picket exposed
to the nightly heavy dewS incident to this cli-
mate. During our stay at the Ferry, we had
many interesting scenes. We were sufficient
ly near the Rebel picketS to hold conversation
with them at one time they invited US to
come over and dine with them our response
was, that we had plenty to live on yet not
having eaten all the turkies left here by them,
but would accept the invitation as soon as
they were disposed of. Another interesting
scene took place while we were there, viz -
Our battery opened fire on their guard house,
which was opposite ours. There was about
thirty soldiers in it, when the first ball struck,
such scattering you never saw. They ran in
the direction of their encampment, short
time after we discovered man on horseback
coming toward the river waving his his hand
kerchief soon he came within hearing distance,
and being assured by our Lieutenant Col (Col.
BRANHoLTs) who was n command that we
would hear his tory without harmiDg him, be
came down to the beach We gave him an in
vitation to cross, but he refused, asking US to
come to him. Three of our men swan across and
got boat. The Lieutenant Colonel and a
few men went over. He reached out his hand
to shake hands but was refused asking him
what he desired. He said he wanted to know
if the enemy occupied the Island He was
was told that if he considered them the enc
my, that they did. He wanted to know what
brought US upon their soil The answer was,
to put down rebellion, and thataS soon as they
laid down their arms and become peaceful cit
izens we would return to our homes Moth
ing more of much account took place, only,
that he observed that we were id venture
some; that had it been earlier 10 the season,
when the water was warm, our men, who
swan over after the boats, would have been
eaten up by the alligators and sharks, the riv-
er is full of them. For few days all was
quiet, occasionally exchanging shot, with
the pickets. ...
Last Friday, party of our men $50 in
number were ordered to cross the river in fat
boatS-about two miles below the Ferry, while
nearing the rebel shore, they were fred upon
by their battery and followed by their artillery
while returning, damaging our boats and kill
ing but one man, Notwithstanding, the shot
and shell fell like hail around and among them,
some Of which was found in the boats the
next day. Their firing was checked by re-
turn fire from one of our steamers The May
fO'oer) which lay anchored near by. One or
two more things that may interest aud close.