Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1873-05-29

cO-OpcrdllouIStS WAS cOinHIiIto" W ~
sistancc. A constitutional convention
assembled; and, on the Goth Of Dec. an
ordinance was passed declaring her con-
ncction with the Union forever severed.
| A similar step was taken, in turn, by
each of those states which felt themselves
sufficiently aggricved to warrant so grave
a proceeding. What was done in Beau
fort? Here, upon receipt of intelligence
that the ordinance had passed in the
convention, the excitement was wild;
bon fires were kindled, night procession
! were made with transparcncics revealing
select political maxims, and numerous
other demonstrations of satisfaction and
joy. Many believed that the separation
would be peaceful; those who differed
from chem as to the probable course of
the government, saw success and a
mighty future for the South at no very
great distance. The; Beaufort Artillery
ten cred their services to the Governor
of the State, and began, at once, TO pre-
pare for the exegcncics which might
arise. The planters sent forward genrous
contributions Of labor. and dcTcnces were
erected at several points. A temporary
cncampmcnt was improyised at the.
west end of the Town, where an earth
work was thrown up, but never occupied
Much time was spent in drill and prac-
ticc, and this company, always expert in
the service of its light battery, became
even moro efficient, and Injured itself to
some of the privatious, duties and cx
posurcs incident to camp life. Major j.
G.. Barnwcll. who had held the Office of
captain for the unprecedented term of
twcnty-onc years, had, some time pre-
viously resigned his commission; and
the late, lamcntcd General Elliott, after
wards the heroic defender of Fort Sumter,
had been chosen his successor.
The services Of the company having
been accepted, and notice given to hold
itself in readiness, it was not until the
18th, the memorable 18th Of April that
orders were received TO occupy the fort.
Lieut.. johnson had been sent to Char
lesion two days previously, with a rcqui-
sition for sponge-staves and other equip
mcnts. The order for the articles re-
ouired, was accompanied by one for the
Artillery to occupy the fort without
delay. Tho shipment detained him in
Charleston only long enough to witness
the attack on Fort Sumter, without
learning its result. Leaving on the
morning of the 10Th, during the cannon
ade, he was the first to bring to Beaufort
the tidings of that bombardmont, the III
cipicncy of future, big with great
events. Arriving at sun set, and convey
ing the intelligence to the citizens of our
quiet little town, the excitement became
almost wild. About twenty-five members
ofthc company were got together, the
arsenal opened accohGGmentus distribu-
ted &c. And, at 10. 0 L, Nj. Of the same
day, this portion of the battery was on
its way to Fort Lyttleton, about to enter
upon a campaign whose, termination was
to be as disastrous as its incipicncy and
course would BIZ full of glory.
The number was doubled in day or
two, the equipments arrived, followed by
a supply of tents; but, more than all,
news reached us on the evening of 18th,
of the fall of the fort, and that without
loss of blood on either part. This was
viewed as favorable omen, and clear
indication that the dispute wonld be set
tied without resort to farther hostilitlcs.
Was the wish farther to the thought p
1t will be remember d that negotia-
tons as well as preparations were contin-
ued for some time before another conflict
of arms occurred. Meanwhile our little
garrison was strengthened by daily
acccssions, and our dcfcnccs were put in
more complete condition by the labor OF
our own hands: Officers and men were
eager to seize shovel, axe or hammer; !;
and very soon was every thing about US
neat and trim.
He was assisted by Licuts. Baker,
johnson, Rhodes and Stuart. The six
lS-pdrs. which had constituted the
armament of Fort Lyttlcton (thcn called
"Marion') in the war Of 1872, were in 4
state Of very good preservation, but with
out carriages. These were speedily built
in Charleston, and sent up on the famed
Steamer Planter. The large force OF
hands sent forward by the patriotic plan
tcrs, soon had the Oh fortllication trans
formed into modern earth work Of no
mconsiderab!e strength. This they
accomplished under the directions of our
giItcd Captain. The guns were aIso
promptly mounted by the skill and
ingenuity Of the Samc officer; and,
renewing its original English designation
Fort Lyttleton' beg. II to assume the
appearance, at least to our inexperienced
cycs,-of formidable little fortress.
Indeed, our great engineer, Gcn'l Beau
rcc,rJ cynrrsynfl his arrroLation of the