Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-02
March 2Sth, 1861.

For the Journal.
PEMBEEToN BATTERY PORT ROYAL FERRY, s. O.,
December 22d 1861. {
Dear Journal :-Knowng that any news that con-
the boys of the Old North State will be accepta-
be your correspondent has taken the liberty of writing
you concerning the doings of few Of them The eDe-
my, contemplating an early advance upon the Railroad
connecting Charleston and Savannah have since the
battle Of Port Royal been slowly and cautiously
ing their forces forward until they have complete
possession Of of the most fertile spots of the South
island ten miles in diameter The planters in their
haste left every thing but most OF the cotton has since
been destroyed by scouting parties
At the Ferry which connects this Island with the
main land, Lieut. McIhennv, with section of the Will
mngton Light Artillery supported by infantry regi-
ment Of South Carolina troops, is throwing up fOrti
cations determined that the enemy shall place bis
foot upon the main land. Several times have they at
tempted to shell us from works without being able
to do So and although were not then prepared to
turn their fire, vowed would shortly punish their
impotence and the day of retrbut0n was eUen
than We expected. A day or two ago "gun boat !"
hove in sight, and we prepared to give her hospitahe
reception. Ammunition brought out guns loaded men
at their posts all excitement to make the reception of
the first Yankee craft we had seen a On
she came In gallant STYLE the picket firing at her from
the river bank she passed along hen opposite
battery an eight inch howitzar manned by Lieut. Webb
and detachment of the Palmetto Guard of Charleston.
A long twelve FOUNDER commanded by Sergt II Davis,
and two six pound brass pieces opened upon her She
returning the fire fast she able, but fldng
her reception rather too hospa6e, left double quick
receiving several shots to accelerate her speed. The
men all behaved well mo one hurt on our side the
enemy firing badly In hour courier brought
news that the Steamer had gotten aground few miles
below where we were, and in few minutes the two
brass pieces of the Will Light Artillery moving in
sweeping galOp for her. just as we arrived and
bringing guns in battery, it reported that
three fats loaded with coming down the river.
This was our chance From three to FIVE hundred men,
closely packed rowing against strong tide, scarcely
moving and although somewhat protected by The heavy
guns of the Steamer almost entirely at mercy, and
you may be sure MIR. Editor that We gave the Yankees
a chastsement that they will long remember. For a
half hour we poured shot aud shell into them bot aud
heavy Night coming ceased firing, but not til
we had disabled fat and killed, it thought by
gentlemen witnessing the engagement, between fifty and
sixty of them. The true number Will never be known.
The in the atS fred several voeys from their rifles
and the Steamer kept up continual ire upon US, and
although the shot fell like hail around US, rot man
injured. Our and horses stood fire speDdldly
Sergeants Newsom and Larkins firing with the
Cy and GOODNESS of veterans. AS left Col Martin
South Carolaan gave three cheers for orth Car
ona and her gallant sons and the shout that went up
fell heavily the desponding hearts of the Yankees.
This will teach them lesson. For week they bad
guns with as much nonchaance If they some
Northern stream.
1t is useless Mr. Editor, to say that they have not
showed themselves since More anon
Yours &c, AMIGO.