The New York herald., 1862-01-26
-r SOUTH CAROLINA.
THE LATE AFFAIR AT PORT ROYAL FERRY-A REBEL


ACCOUNT.
Especial correspondence of Charleston Mercury jan 2o
Although we have already published series OF ac-
counts OF the brilliant style in which brave troops
repused the invaders at Port Royal Ferry New Years
day. the following narrative Of the action from the pen
or the esteemed Chaplain Of tho Fourteenth regiment
clear and interesting that feel sure il will be most
gratifying to our readers
propose the facts the fight on the lst nst
far have been able obtain them both from per-
sonai observation and from tho statements Of eye wit.
nesses
renchment ut the ferry 10 support the artillery o
attack, and remained until relieved the next morning.
Captain Browns and Captain Owens were duty that
About halfpast eight A. NJ. I went down to the in
rsnchment. few minutes after, Captain Brown came
guns, as steamer coming up Soon after, i've
sels whether all gunboats do not know were seen 70
approach the shore some two three miles below u.s.
and two others opened dre Pages Point, about mile
above the ferry occupied by portion Of Colonel Dunna-
wants regiment Our companies retired short dis
tance from the intrenchment where they would bs less
exposed to the fire, which occasionally directed
towards battery both from above and from below,
and yet would be in supporting distance should the bat
tory be charged by infantry. tremendous firing was
kept up against Pages Point until about eleven clock.
when several small boats left the two vessels and ap
preach the shore. When the land they suddenly
returned, discovering that Colonel Dunnavants men
were awaiting their arrival. The firing
cd, and for an hour or more exceedingly heavy.
About twelve O'Clock Captain Browns company march,
ed down and took position behind fence row, running
out from the river about half mile below the battery
for the purpose of ntercepng the enemy should they
attempt to march up from their landing Captain Owens
having already joined the regiment. At one ocloc <
Captain Brown joined the regiment which marched
down the Keans Neck read running nearly parallel with
the Coosa river, and took position behind fence
bordering open deld which extends very near to
the river about hall mile IRON right. Captain
Leak Of Virginia, placed two six FOUNDERS the
our left wing, and opened fro upon the enemy vs
bic IN large numbers, marching up the river. The pri
soners, afterwards captured, stated that this fire was
very effective, out gave no particulars TO numbers far
as know.
About hundred skirmishers now started across the
field with the evident intention of capturing the battery
not supposiL the prisoner afterwards said that was
supported by infantry. When opposite our right
wing they were fired on, FIRST by that wing. and then by
the whole regiment, They hal ted and returned our fire.
and again started to advance when second fire stopped
them, some retreating and others lying down in the
broom scdge. The latter rose and retreatsd at q
time until probably twenty or thirty escaped. Captain
Tompkins Leuenant Allen and several others
out and picked up wounded man, above referred to,
and several others dead mention this because the
correspondent OF the NEW YORK HERALD denies that they
lost the hcld and only admits that has died
since.
Between frst and second firing We heard heavy
firing of muskery in the direction of battery fol-
lowed by loud cheering. On inquring lc rned thas
four COMPANIES OF Danpavants regiment (ths rwelthl
had fired on largo force OF the enemy who
advancing towards battery, and then charged them
with the bayonet, driving them pEeciptatey down TO
the river.
Near sunset we re.raced our steps up Kean's Neck
road, and turned IN throagh Chaplin plantation, Colonel
Jones leading the way IN direction 10 strike the river
short distance below battery When the head OF the
column near Chaplns house, about midway between
ia n
boats below the ferry whc at once showed Il to be i'm
possible for either 10 advance further to hold
position near to them. AS retrsced our steps
Capt Taggart fled his company the left, more
out OF the range OF the Gre, when largo portion Of the
regiment left the road in The direction and in some
Disorder The call OF Colonel Jones they instantly re-
turned 10 the road and marched OF the Plantation in
excellent order, amidst most terrific nroshot and
shell constantly falling on each side Of One Of the
shells which DID not burst since been found to weigh
hundred and thirytwo and half pounds One OF them
exploded in our ranks, killing three the field and
verey wounGing seven or eight, five six of whom
have died since The promptness with which the regi-
ment obeysd the command 20 rcurn to the road aud tho
order in which they marched out Of the field, amidst
terrible lre very wonderful exhibition OF cool
ness and courage by men, not out OF hundred OF
whom hla ever before seen enemys IRE. i cannot
give the Sarc liars OF tho retirement OF D1nnavants
pos ted at Chaplins house. believe they lost
OIL the field and two three have died since.
We etired lust beyond the range OF the enemys
guns and bivouackcd tho night Early next morning
waited tin about eleven O'Clock for tho advance of tho
enemy who all this time Kept up tremendous but
random rc through the woods and plantations below u.s.
Hearing that they were advancing from another drsc-
in order Of battle and waited until sunset, when
came TO our present encampmont the location Of which
IL Is not necessary TO mention.
The NEW York HBRALD's correspondent admits that
they had six regiments, numbering $500 mon and est
forces at 5000 We had not than TOO.
though ample renlorcements enough TO have
come TO our assistance had needed them. He saws
they lost killed, and but of the wounded q
major, has since dej, while our loss heavy Their
loss in skrmishers, and what the artillery and Colonel
Dunnovants killed must have been least one hun
drcd. The loss OF two regiments killed on the field
and those who have since died moro than eleven
or twelve He sayshey followed up their victory and
now within SIX miles0l the railroad. We were UNDER thst