Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1873-06-26
BEAUFORT and THE Sea ISLANDS.
Their History and Traditions.
NUMBER TWENTY.
BY ]. A. ].


formidable feet destined for the reduc-
ton of the batteries at Port Royal en-
trance was seen passing over the bar.
The confederate authorities had been
kept advised of its preparation and a
few days previously, had been notified Of
its departure under Admiral Dupont, for
these waters. A portion of Col. Duno-
wants regiment, between 800 and 400
men had reached Bay Point, thus aug
mentiug our force on that island to about
GOO. The armament Of fort Beauregard,
consisted of thirteen guns, two of which
"a pounders,) were placed as defence
against a land approach, and consequent
ly were unavailable against the fleet.
Eleven only were in position to be served
on the occasion. Those Of long range
were one rifle gun, one ten inch colum-
bad one eight inch columbiad the re-
naming eight being thirty-two and forty
two Founders; three of the latter consti-
tuting hot shot battery. At sunset
there were thirty-six sail within the bar.
They anchored about one mile below the
fort. Or Monday they were busily en-
gagged in taking souudings and placing
buoys. Before nightfall, their number
had increased to sixty -four sail, including
transports. Commodore Tatnall, who
had under his command FIVE small steam
ers, advance in one of them, in order
to interrupt their sounding operations {;
and for the purpose, apparently, of en-
ticing some Of the enemy within the
range ofour guns. He boldly discharged
several shots, which were promptly an
swered, one of the enemy's shot taking
effect, with but little damage, in the up
per part of his steamer. He withdrew
about sunset without drawing any Of the
feet after him. He renewed his demon
stration on Tuesday forenoon, which oc-
casioned some commotion in the feet,
drawing several shots towards himself,
and some also on the fort. Of the latter,
one carried away the company colors Of
the Beaufort Artillery, which had been
set up on the parapet; another struck
the magazine, harmless third exploded
in traverse, doing no damage; while a
fourth struck and exploded a caisson con-
tanning 120 pounds of powder. The con-
cussion prostrated five cannoneers with
out doing them any injury. Wonderful
escape! The feet employed the remain
der of Tuesday in extending their explo-
rations with the lead; probably much
disappointed in not having the number
and range of our guns'reveeled to them.
Our battery had, thus far remained mys-
teriously silent. A severe gale prevailed
all of Wednesday, 9th (; and the enemy
continued at anchor, sullenly mute, and,
n like manner motionless, save the weari-
some, unvarying roll of the agitated sea.
Not so with those on either shore. Fort
Walker received a fine regiment under
Col. DeSaussure of Columbia, about four
o'clock in the afternoon and a body of
volunteers from Savannah, (said to num-
Der l200,) increased the force on Hilton
Head to about 5000, including the Seer
man artillery" Of Charleston, who had
been several weeks stationed there. There
were, in this battery fourteen gurs Of
similar calibre to those of fort Beaure-
gard. Two, however, were rifle guns. 1t
is needless to say, that very little sleep
was taken by the occupants of those two
islands on that memorable Wednesday
night. Although there could have been
not the least spark of hope /; defeat and
disaster staring them in the face, those
gallant patriots calmly, and bravely
awaited that eventful morn.
Thursday, 7th, was lovely November
day. Those afoat as well as those ashore
partook Of an early meal, and between s
and 9 q. H., the fleet was in motion.
Forming line of battle they slowly ad-
vanced up the eastern side of the bay.
This movement at once indicated that
their earliest attentions would be directed
towards Bay Point The whole line hav-
ing passed up, and delivered, each sue
cessively, their starboard broad-sidc, now
turned down stream, and in like manner
poured forth the shot and shell from the
port side. Our gunners were awake to
their duty, and right nobly was that duty
discharged. Unfinchingly did they serve
their guns and more than once were they
permitted to see the damaging effects of
their shot. Fort Beauregard was not
long engaged: Before noon the Admiral
withdrew to the opposite side, and COM
menced fierce attack on Fort Walker,
manoeuvering his feet in the same man.
ner; but securing, as it advanced towards
the mouth ofSkulk Creek, an enflade
fire which proved most disastrous, dis
mounting more than half the guns, and
killing twelve men, among them the sur
geon of the post who lost his life while
administering to the necessities of one of
the wounded. The only casualty OH our
side of the bay was from the premature
discharge Of gun. by which the two