The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-10-01

on the Blackwater river. This brought
him south Of Coggin's Point and only
about ten miles from where he intend
ed to break through their picket
guards. After constructing bridge,
and about midnight, he crossed the
river.
Sycamore Church was about two
miles ahead and the largest detach-
meht of the enemy to the herd Of cat
tie were near it, To the right and left
u this point were smaller bodies of
Federals. Rosser was assigned the
central attack, after accomplishing
which he was to proceed to appropriate
and carry away the prospective beef
steaks.
"W. II. +. Lees division was to
drive away the force to the left and
to it was entrusted the task of hold.
ing the roads from City Point. Dear
ing was near Sycamore Church, and
when he heard the firing there, was to
dash into and demolish post about
three miles from Fort Powhatan on
the James, and hold the roads leading
to the fort to prevent attack from that
quarter.
AT . o clock a. III. General Rosser
attacked. The videttes were driven,
but the main body, a regiment, the
First District of Columbia cavalry,
rallied behind barricades in very good
style. However, Rosscr lost no time,
but made short work Of them, ami
hilating the regiment-all not killed,
wounded or captured, making off in
every direction, spreading consterna-
tlon throughout the neighborhood and
exaggerated accounts OF the numbers
of the raiders.
"As soon as w. H. f. Lee 8 and
bearings people heard the firing they
commenced their part of the program
dispensing or riding down everything
they met. They then held the roads,
as directed, thus preventing assist
ance being sent to the central post,
and drove away or took all the cou-
riers whom they could lay hands on.
Rosser sent forward detachment to
secure the cattle, which they quickly
did, overpowering the guard of 12O
met and herdsmen. Many horses
were also taken, IL wagons, three flags
and the beeves, numbering 2,468.
Three camps were burned, consider
ah!e quantity Of valuable stores and
blankets carried off, and more de-
stroyed. All this was no easy natter,
but it was thoroughly done in bust
ness-like manner without undue haste
yet without loss of time. Everything
had been we'll arranged before hand, ,
and was carried out without q mis-
take. The troopers became for the
occasion amateur cowboys, and good
ones, too. The Federal heyders of the
cattle proved very useful, and served
their new masters as we'll and appar-
emily as readily as if these had been
their original employers.
when the oxen would become
troublesome, showing an inclination
to stray into the fields and make de.
lay, The herders, cracking their long
lashes, sounded like pistol shots,
would quickly bring them back, though
it must be confessed trooper Away
rode alongside with handy weapon
to insure loyalty.
Bat everything ran smoothly and
the sight would have gladdened the
heart of Highland chieftain Of the
oldcn time, but his best lift would
have been insignificant compared to
this. While ell Of this was going on
In the most cheerful manner for the
raiders. the greatest CONSERVATION
and bewilderment were prevailing at
Federal headquarters.
by pre-arraugement with General
Lee demonstration was made along
the line Of his army, bodies of troops
were moved about as though general
attack would be made.
Federal headquarters made the
wires hot with kilograms and couriers
were sent galloping for dear life with
dispatches. General Grant was tenn
porarily absent at Harper's Ferry con-