HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT
OF PORT ROYAL,
Beaufort, S. C.
December 10, 1861.
Brigadier-General SHERMAN,
Commanding Expeditionary Corps:
GENERAL: Lieutenant Ransom and the section of Hamilton's
battery under his command moved at 3 o'clock this morning, and I followed with
two members of my staff, Acting Aides-de-Camp Lusk and Taylor, of,
respectively, the Highlanders and Fiftieth Pennsylvania, a half hour
afterwards. We reached the ferry at daylight. I found, however, on careful
examination that the Confederates had not commenced the erection of any works
since our occupation of the island. After an examination of the country
adjoining the ferry, especially of the old ferry at Seabrook, a mile and a half
to the westward of the present ferry, I determined to take positive possession
of both sides of the existing ferry, especially as an effort had been made
during my absence at Seabrook to fire the ferry building on the island side.
Lieutenant Ransom, bringing, under my direction, his battery into position at
Stuart's place, fired four shots and dispersed the enemy's pickets, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholts, commanding the detachment at the ferry, advanced
immediately a picket of 12 men to the ferry, and took possession of both banks,
with some four boats. These have since been secured. A small block-house
commanding the ferry on the main was destroyed. I left the battery at the
ferry, with instructions to return to-morrow, unless, after conference with
Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholts, Lieutenant Ransom should be satisfied from the
unexpected developments of circumstances he ought to remain at the ferry. In
this event he was promptly to advise me by messenger.
I have had the points carefully examined where it was
alleged stockades were being built to close the channel. East of the ferry the
attempt was actually made, but nothing was accomplished. I have, with the
assistance of my aides and scouting parties, examined nearly all portions of
the island to-day. The conduct of the troops is exemplary, and there will be
considerable additions made to our stock of quartermaster's stores.
I am, sir, very
respectfully, yours, most obediently,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Brigadier-General Commanding.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 6
(Serial No. 6), p. 199-200; William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War
Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 108-9
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