Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-01-01
, TIE Haiin, n Light Artillery.

The WiImington Light Artillery. q
z The following letter IRON correspondent OF the
wilmin gtcn Journal gives gratifying accountof
sthc attack Of North Carolina battery upon the
Yankees near Port Royal, S. c..
PEMKERroN BATTERY, PoRr ROYAL FERRY, S. CT
December 22d, 1851. &
Dear JOURNAL: Knowing that any news that
concerns the boys of the Old North State will be &C
ceyrtable your correspondent has taken the liberty
of writing you concerning the do!ngs of few OF
them. The enemy, contemplating an early advance
upon the Railroad connecting Charleston and Savan-
nah have since the battle of Port Royal been slowly
and cautiously moving their force forward, until
they have now complete possession OF one oil tne
most fertile of the South-an island zen miles IN
diameter. The planters in their haste LETT every
thing; but most of the cotton has since been de-
Stroyed by SCOT ting parties.
At the Ferry which connects this island with the
main lard, Lieut.. McIlhenny, with section OF the
Wilmington Light Artillery, supported by an IN
fantry regiment of South Carolina troops, is throw
ing up Observation-Disclosures that the enemy
shall not place his foot upon the main land. Sew
eIal times have they attempted to shell us from our
works without being able to 10 so, and although we
not then prepared TO return their hire, we
vowed would shortly punish their impudence,
and the day of retributiOn eren nearer than we
expected \ day or two gun boat hove IN
signt, and we prepared to give her hoSpitable re-
ception. Ammunition brought out guns loaded;
men at their post all excitement to make the recep-
ton of the first Yankee craft We had seen warm
one. On she came III gallant style, the picket firing
at her from the river bank as she passed along
When opposite our battery, an eight inch howitZer
manned 10y Lieut. Webb, and detachment of the
Palmetto Guard of Charleston. A long twelve
FOUNDER commanded by Sergt. H. DAVIS and two
six pound brass pieces open upon her. She return
ing the fire as fast as she able, but finding her
reception rather tao hopitdJte, left double quick
receiving several shots to accelerate her speed The
men all behaved well-no one hurt on our side; the
enemy firing badly In an hour or two courier
brought news that the Steamer had gotten aground
a few miles below where we were, and in a few
minutes the two brass pieces Of the VIII. Light Ar
tillery were moving in sweeping gallop for her,
Just rs we arrived and were bringing our guns in
battery it reported that three flats loaded with
men were coming down the river This our
chance. From three to five hundred men, closely
packed, rowing against strong tide, scarcely NOV
ing and although somewhat protected by the heavy
guns of the Steamer, almost entirely at mercy,
and you may be sure Mr. Editor that gave the
Yankees 4 chaStiScment that they will long remem-
Der. For half hour we poured shot and shell into
them, hot and heavy Night coming on We ceased
firing, but not till we had disabled one fiat, and
Killed, 1t is though: by gentlemen witnessing the
engagement, between fifty and sixty of them. The
true number will never be known. The men in the
flats fired several yolleys from their rifles and the
Steamer kept up continual fire upon us, and al
though the shot fell like hail around Us, not a man
injured. Our men and horses stood fire splcn-
didy. Scr5eantS NewSom aid Larkins firing with
the accuracy and GOODNESS of veterans. AS we left
Col. Martln, South Carolinian, gave three cheers
for North Carolina and her gallant sons" and the
shout that went up Tell heavily on the deSponding
hearts OF the Yankees. This will teach them les
son. For a week they had been rowing about the
river almost under our rery guns with as much
nonchaancc if they We're some Northern
stream.
II is useless Mr. Editor, to say that they have not
showed themselves since. More anon.
Yours &c, AMIGO.