The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-02-21

. FROM SOUTH CAROLINA.

Although we are within Ito miles of the most
stirring scenes in South Carolina, we know but
little of what has occurred or is occurring It is
strange aad unaccountable that the authorities be-
low here win not send permit to be sent state
ment of the condition of affairs. Instead of its do
ing harm, it would do good, if in no other way by
counteractiDg the alarm which false reports
create
The rumors from the scene of operations are
various and conflicting All We certainly know
here is, that the City of Columbia is now in poss-
ession of the enemy, and that the enemy occupied
the place on Friday last, after fight or heavy
skirmish with our troops; aid that our troops are
now concentrating at point few miles this side
of Columbia. What sort of battle took place,
and the loss on either side is unknown to the pub
lie here-there are hundieos of reports concerning
it, but few fany Of them worth the least cre-
dence.
Gen. Beauregard is in command of our forces
this side of Columbia, and is preparing, sup
pose, to resist the advance of the enemy in this
direction. We know that preparations are being
made to guard against loss of public property if the
enemy should advance ON this point
1t is stated that Geleral ID. Ii. Hill or General
Cheatham attacked the enemy in the on
Thursday or Friday last, and captured 800 prison
ers and number of wagons. If so, the enemy
will not be much disposed to advance in this irec
ton with fire in both his rear and front.
1t is also rumored that the city of Charleston
has been evacuated, and that the garrison Of that
place is marching to the assistance of Beauregard.
From what We caa learn we are disposed to be-
lieVe that this is true, though nothing is known
certain about it.
We learn that the enemy, after getting into
Columbia, burnt all the dcpots. The cotton stored
in the city was either burnt by the enemy or our
OVID people. The Government property, or at
least a great deal of it, was removed before our
troops evacuated the place. The report about
large number of women and children being killed
is false.
IF the enemy undertakes to move North from
Columbia, it is very uncertain what course he will
take-our commanding officers do not seem to be
satisfied on this point. He may come towards
Charlotte, or he may take route several miles to
the East of this place. We think vigorous pre-
partitions are being made to thwart his purpose if
he comes in this direction. And we think it right
to state that Government property is being removed
from this place, go that if he comes here he will
have barren victory.
A few days will reveal the Infections of Sher-
man-until then let us keep cool and be ready to
act as circumstances may demand.
P. S.-A gentleman who arrived here this (Monday)
morning from below, informs that cavalry fight
took place between Ridgeway and Columbia Satur-
day or Sunday last, and that the enemy driven
back. This gentleman also states that only the s. c.
Railroad Depot burnt at Columbia and that caught
fire from shell, exploding some ammunition stored
therein and killing two or three persons and woundng
FIVE or six others Another gentleman states that Gen.
Cheatbam whipped the enemy at Aston, S. c., and
damaged him considerably. We are disposed to be-
lieve these reports