The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-06-27

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These points were all occupied without
Opposition. To deceive the enemy, and
lead him to suppose that his force was
much larger than il really was, he instruct
ed the officers in command at these difficult
points to retain but few men in reserve
and throw out nearly their entire strength
az skirmishers. asa
At Ashepoo the rebels had three regi-
ments Of infantry, one hundred cavalry,
and full battery of artillery. As Capt
Thompson advanced up the road leading
from Fields Point, cavalry came in sight.
but few well directed volleys soon sent
them galloping back in confusion to their
stronghold at Ashepoo.
AT half past p. m, a battery of six
pieces arrived and opened brisk fire.
Not a man flinched, but from such hiding
places as they could find, poured volley af-
ter vOlley upon the gUnners, killing and
wOunding a number. In the midst Of this
little engagement, the Harriet A. Weed
came up, and a we'll directed shell from
her guns, under the direction of Capt.
Hudson, caused a retreat of the rebel ar
tillery. The raid upon this road them COM
menced in earnest. The soldiers scattered
in every direction and burned and de-
stroyed everything of value they came
across. Thirty-four large mansions known
to belong to notorious rebels, with all their
rich furniture and rare works of art, were
burned to the ground Nothing but sinoul-
dering ruins and parched and crisped
skeletons OF once magnificent old oak and
palmetto groves now remain of these de-
lightful country seats.
After scattering the rebel artillery, the
Harriet A. Weed tied up opposite large
plantation owned by Nicholas & Kirkland.
Major Corwin, in command of companies
b and c, soon effected landing, without
opposition. The white inhabitants, terri
ned at the sight of negro soldiers, with
loaded muskets in their hands, ran in eve-
ry direction, while the slave population
Iushed to the boats with every demonstra-
ZION OF Joy and gratitude. Three rice
of ricks in the yard, and four large mills
OF dlterent kinds, were destroyed. Man
si0ns, negro quarters, and everv thing in
f1amaDle, was consigned to the flames.
Sluices were opened, plantations flooded,
and broad ponds and lakes made, where,
| but few hours before, luxuriant crops of
rice and corn were putting forth their
leaves. - .a
| Capt. Carver with Company G, landed at
Tar Bluff. After a skillful disposition of
his pickets the enemy's cavalry appeared
| in sight, and threatened to overwhelm his
| little party, but upon throwing out his
whole force he succeeded in repulsing eve
~ CHdISt, anu ufldily uTOSe CneIll cntlrely
| out of sight. Upon this road several large
steam rice mills, three cotton gins, and a
| fine saw mill were destroyed, together with
an immense amount of other property.
Capt. HOyt, Company A, landed at Com
bahee Ferry at a a. m.-encOuntered cav
airy pickets the moment he began to adj
vance, but after short engagement, drove
| them back in disorder The fine bridge
| across the Combahee River was then de-
stroyed, together with all the adjacent pro-
perty. ...s. ....-.... ...-
Capt. Brayton, Of the Sd r. I. Artillery,
who was present with section of his bat
terry, took part in this engagement from
the John Adams. ..v
Having brought within his lines nearly
500 valuable slaves; having destroyed pro-
perty to the amount of two millions, most
of which belonged to notorious leaders in
this rebellion; having demonstrated that
negro soldiers will follow and fight wher-
ever brave and bold man dares lead them,
and that the slave population of South
Carolina are eager to embrace the opportu-
nifty to escape, Col. Montgomery returned
to Beaufort early on the morning Of the
Sd inst, without the loss of man.
Col. Montgomery has made another ex-
petition down to Darien, where he destroy.
ed the rebel salt works and captured .
cotton schooner. The town was destroyed.
The department is remarkably healthy.
The 54th regiment of Massachusetts, (col-
ored) had arrived safely at Beaufort in good
condition, and were encamped near the
city. Subsequently the regiment was sent
to Florida.-C0r. N. Y. Tribune.