The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1901-05-17

forward and placed in position to
keep the Federals from throwing
pontoons across the river. Some
distance in our rear the infantry were
halted. Col. Stevens came up and
as he galloped past the column of
cavalry a shout was raised that was
answered far to the rear by the troops
who were waiting patiently and eager
for the ball to open. After he had
made a survey of the situation he
returned. The boat was out of
reach of our guns and it was impos-
sible to get our artillery in position
to use it effectively, SO We must wait
for them to attempt to land. We
waited in our position until the sun
began to sink in the west, when
courier came in with the news that
the boat was moving back down
towards Pineberry. Soon it began
to throw shells towards US and in the
direction of the other troops. AS if
the idea to cross their troops had
been abandoned, the Federals on
Jehosse Withdrew before the boat
started back. As it went on towards
White Point it kept up a shelling of
the country; fseausaalys-thyaxias
delnonstlstSon on tie t4 pafs Rs' OF Tbs s6s
enemy called for vigilence and &C
tIVity on our part. Accordingly we
had that night more men ON picket
than we ever had. Lieut.. George
W. Melton. of Company B., was in
command of the detachment to which
| belonged. Joe Leech was the SER
geaht en- duty little below Willtown
and opposite where the boat had lain
all day in the river. Orders were
strict. 1t was expected that the
Yankees would cross in small scout
ing parties that night and, with negro
guides, capture the pickets, and in
this way get large force on the
main lard with but little trouble and
danger. Every point from Willtown
to White Point was guarded that
night. Each relief was instructed to
fire on any party coming from sus.
picious direction. The same orders
were given to the guard at picket
headquarters. Joe Leech was on
duty when an officer came from
different direction than that from
which he was expected. Joe hailed
him with "halt. who comes there?"
"Officer of the day, with the counter.
sign" was the reply. "Officer of
the day, the HI you say. Maybe
its officer of the night" Joe replied.
lie said he had missed the road. Joe
told him to advance and give the
countersign. He came forward and
said Fort Sumter" By this time
the whole relief had their guns. Joe
asked him who he was. It was
Capt. -. Joe told him he did
not know him and he must 10 to
headquarters. He sent a detail to
take this nocturnal visitor to Lieu
tenant Melton, who sent him to Reg
mental headquarters where he was
identified.
AS the boat moved down the river
that evening, shelling ad libitum,
the military genius of Gen. Evans
and Col. Stevens was at work. When
it reached Legare's mill six pieces of
light artillery, detachment of in
fantry and cavalry dispounted were
in readiness to salute it. The night
was nearly pitch dark. as the boat
came gliding along with its jolly
crew who were, perhaps, exulting
over their work, and the annoyance
they had given the "rebels' that day.
They were singing and picking a
banjo and everything was in high
glee. When the vessel got opposite
our guns, Standing on the bank un-
der some large shade trees, the order
to "fre" was given. All at once
the guns opened on the merry crew.
The first volley was harmless, the
balls passing over the boat, or strik-