The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-10-02

pursued by cavalry, who boldly followed him
down TO the banks of the COosawhatchie
River and fred upon him. severely wouuding
two men of the Sd II. |. Art. They were
soon driven back, however, with a broadside
of canister and she'll from the guuboats, which
caused great slaughter among them.
Col Barton succeeded in re.emharking his
men aud reioininG the fleet at Mckey's Point
without the loss of single man, bringing with
him one prisoner 30 muslScts and the coIors OF
the Whippy Swamp Guards" South Carolina
Vols, taken from the ColOrbearer, who was shot
aud fell from the ears.
Capt S G. Eaton, LIST n. Y Eng, was detailed
TO accompany Col. Barton, and opened q
road for him from the landing through tho
woods TO the main road. After delivering
their fire into the passing train they com
menced tearing up tho track with the clawbars
they had carried, but were soon ordered TO re-
treat. which they did, covering the retreat OF
the whole force by destroying the small bridges
in the rear aud making the roads impossible
for artillery. This undoubtedly saved great
loss of lie, as the boats were aground.
The LIST n. Y. Eng, under command of Col.
+. w. Sewell, was with tho main body of the
troops at MeKey's Point. They at once COM
menced the work of repairing the bridge over
the Pocotaiigo River, part of which was done
under heavy fire. The timber was cut and all
preparations made for rebuilding the one de-
ordered TO retreat. Co. ], under command of
Capt. Joseph Walker was in the extreme adj
vance, at work on the bridge, when the order
was received TO fall back, and Notwithstanding
the great fatigue of the day took charge of
the wounded US they were brought in and con-
veyed them on board the transports
Lieut.. Henry's battery did most eAcient
service. Tho Lieutenant displayed signal
heroism and intrepidity during the engage
ment. His horse was shot from under him, hut
he fortunately escaped injury. Col. Chatfield
and Lieut. Col. John Spidell, Of the 9th Conn,
were both wounded while calamity leading
their commands. The 47th Pa. and 9TH CoHn.
protected the retreat of the main body by alter
nately forming in line at right angles with the
road, keeping the enemy in check.
Capt Gray's failure in not capturing tho
rebel picSets at McKey's Point was caused by
the negro guides, who took him two or three
miles beyond the proper landing place. Capt.
c. T. Fuller, Chief Quartermaster of the De-
partment of the South, was very prompt in
having the transports in readiness. Had the
expedition all through been up to time, the
general results would have been far different.
The force which landed at McKcy's Point
was TO move to POcoialigo and then to separate
Gen. Brannan was TO push toward Sake
hatchie and destroy the railroad bridge at that
point, while Gen. Terry did the Same at POGO
taligo. In the meantime Col. Barton with his
force was TO make a diversion at Coosawbatchie,
and If possible burn the railroad bridge at that
place.
A glance at the map of this section Of the
country will show how we'll the plans were
laid. Had they been successful, and tho railroad
between Charleston and Savannah perma-
nently destroyed, it would have caused great
inconvenience 10 the rebels, because it was
their only means of communication with the
Gulf States.
or.
missing Of the troops under command of
Gen. Braunan: