Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-11-06


stockade fort by the most concealed
route. At the same time the batteries
in every quarter opened terrific fir
upon the enemy designing to product
the impression that general assault
was about to be made upon the star re-
doubt. The gallant sergeant and his
faithful little band made their way
amid the raging Of the storm and
the thunder Of the cannon until they
had reached the stockade fort and were
In the act of applying the fire. At this
critical moment they were discovered
land the sergeant and five Of his mer
were instantly killed. The other foul
escaped unhurt, Notwithstanding many
muskets were fired at them as they
ran across the field back to their COM
mand.
On the 18th, the fire Of the Ameri-
cans was very destructive. The enemy
were forced to withdraw their forces
stationed between the spring and the
stockade fort. The garrison soon be-
gan to suffer greatly on account of be-
ing deprived of the use Of the spring
The females in the British camp, shell
! tering themselves beneath the respect
due to their sex, undertook to supply
the garrison with water. Unable to
supply the demand the soldiers it was
discovered, dressed themselves in fe-
male attire and went to the spring
This being discovered the order was
given to fire upon every one going to
the spring, no matter whether male OF
female.
Although Rawdon had been advanc-
ing rapidly since the 7th to relieve
| Cruger, the latter was in total igno-
rance Of the afct. In the neighborhood,
only few miles distant from Ninety
Six, resided young woman who had
lately married British officer In Nine
ty-Six The young lady was the
daughter of patriot, and she had a
brother who had heartily espoused the
cause Of the Wings. This woman the
British bribed to communicate to the
commander of Ninety-Six the fact that
succor would soon arrived. Rawdon
was at Orangeburg when he sent his
emissary to contract with this woman.
She communicated the facts in the
case to a young loyalist in the commu-
nifty. Dressed in citizens clothes, this
lloyalist appeared on the afternoon OF
the 18th, riding along the American
lines, south Of the village. talking care
lessly tn the soldiers. No notice was
taken of him, as the country, people
were accustomed to visit the American
camp daily. So soon as he reached the
road leading to the village, he straight
ened himself in the saddle and putting
spurs to his horse, dashed through the
American line into the village. The
sentinels and guards nearest him fired
upon him but he escaped unhurt. When
out Of danger he took a letter from his
person and triumphantly waved 1t back
at the Americans. The garrison re-
ceived him with shouts Of JOY. The
gate was opened for his admission and
he was conducted to headquarters with
loud and prolonged huzzahs. Cruger
already brave was on the receptiono of
the intelligence that Rawdon was ad-
vancing to his aid, rendered confident.
Both the besieged and besiegers be-
gan to press matters with great vigor.
Each knew that the contest must come
to a close within a few days. On the
left the third parallel was completed,
also two trenches and a mine which
reached within a few feet Of the enc
my's ditch. On the right the trenches
were within twenty yards Of the enc
my's works. The garrison was nearly
cut off from the spring and rivulet and
suffering had already begun. Rawdon
had by inclining to the right, passed
Sumter and such was the rapidity with
which the British general marched,
that Sumter could never gain his front.
The only American party which har-
assed Rawdon on his march, was Col
onel Middleton, with three hundred
cavalry and mounted militia. Colonel
Middleton had been sent from the Con-
garee to hang upon the rear Of the enc
my, capture stragglers and particularly
to cut off the foraging parties Of Raw
don. This partisan corps after giving
the enemy considerable trouble, was
unfortunately led into a we'll planned
ambush and charged upon by Major
Coffin at the head Of the body Of the
royal cavalry. Middleton and his party
were so completely scattered that they
never made their appearance agan.
The Americans were of the opinion
that thirty hours would be sufficient
to reduce without assault, the garrison
at Ninety-Six; but they dared not walt
so long a time, lest the arrival Of Raw
don would expose them to total over
throw. In view Of the circumstances
1t was determined to attack the place
by general assault.
| Midday on the 18th Of June. was
appointed as the moment when at a
to the assault. Long poles with iron
hooks were prepared with which to pull
down the sand bags on the enemy's
Notifications, and material was collect
ed for the purpose Of filling up the
bitches. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell
of the First Virginia regiment, with
a detachment from the Maryland and
Virginia brigades. was directed to lead
the attack on the left: Lieutenant Col
onel Lee with his legion Of infantry and
Kirkwood's Delaware regiment, were
charged with the attack on the right.
lLieutenants Duval Of Maryland and
Seldom of Virginia led the forlorn hope
on the left; Captain Rudolph Of Lees
legion, that on the right.
The signal for attack was to be CIV
en- from the centre battery. At eleven
o'clock the third parallel was manned
and the sharpshooters took their posi-
| tion in the Maham tower. On the fir
ing of the first cannon, which was the
signal for the assailants to prepare for
action, the American columns entered
the trenches. The men were full OF
enthusiasm. At the hour Of twelve
the second cannon was fired and stimuli
| ~